Guide to talking with teachers in high school

Key Takeaways

Audience Spotlight: Neurodivergent Learners in High School

For many parents of neurodivergent learners, the guide to talking with teachers in high school is more than just a helpful resource—it is a lifeline. High school brings new challenges, larger classes, and more independence. Neurodivergent students, including those with ADHD, autism, or learning differences, may face unique barriers when communicating with teachers. They might be unsure when to speak up, find it stressful to ask for help, or worry about being misunderstood. Recognizing these hurdles is the first step toward building your child’s confidence and capacity to self-advocate. Your support and understanding can make teacher interactions feel less intimidating and more empowering.

Definitions

Self-advocacy: The ability to understand and communicate one’s own needs, strengths, and rights in order to get the support or resources required to succeed.

Neurodivergent: Refers to individuals whose brains process, learn, or behave differently from what is considered typical. This includes conditions such as ADHD, autism, dyslexia, and more.

Why Communication Matters: Setting the Stage for Growth

Many parents notice that as their children enter high school, the need for independence increases dramatically. Teachers expect students to speak up for themselves, request clarification, or ask for accommodations. Yet, communicating with adults in authority is not easy for every student. The guide to talking with teachers in high school can help families develop the skills and strategies needed for effective communication, especially for neurodivergent learners who may feel overwhelmed or uncertain in these situations.

Experts in child development note that strong communication between students and teachers is linked to better engagement, higher academic achievement, and improved self-esteem. When students feel comfortable advocating for themselves, they are more likely to get the support they need and to develop resilience when facing challenges.

Supporting Self-Advocacy: How Parents Can Help

Self-advocacy is a lifelong skill, and high school is the perfect environment to practice. Here are ways you can help your child benefit from the guide to talking with teachers in high school:

• Normalize asking for help. Remind your child that everyone needs support sometimes. Sharing your own experiences can make this feel less intimidating.
• Practice role-playing at home. Take turns acting as the teacher and student. This can help your child prepare what to say and how to say it.
• Encourage written communication. Some students find it easier to email teachers first. Help your child draft a clear and polite message requesting a meeting or asking a question.
• Prepare for meetings. Work with your child to write down questions or topics they want to discuss. This helps them stay focused and confident during the conversation.
• Follow up together. After a conversation with a teacher, check in with your child. Ask how it went and discuss any next steps.

Many teachers and parents report that students who take small steps to communicate with teachers often see their confidence grow over time.

How to Communicate with Teachers: Tips for High School Success

Understanding how to communicate with teachers is essential in high school, especially for neurodivergent students. The following approaches can help your child navigate these interactions more smoothly:

• Start with small interactions. Encourage your child to greet their teachers or ask a simple question at the end of class. This builds comfort over time.
• Use support tools. Suggest using a written note, email, or communication app if face-to-face conversations feel overwhelming.
• Schedule meetings. For complex topics or concerns, help your child schedule a meeting during office hours or after class when the environment is quieter.
• Teach advocacy language. Phrases like “I am having trouble with this assignment,” or “Could you explain this another way?” give your child tools to express themselves clearly.
• Involve school supports. If your child has an IEP or 504 Plan, work with case managers or counselors to ensure everyone is on the same page about communication strategies.

Grade Band Focus: High School and Communicating with Teachers

High school students are expected to take more responsibility for their own learning. The guide to talking with teachers in high school is especially relevant here, as it helps students manage increased workloads, more complex assignments, and multiple teachers. Neurodivergent learners may benefit from extra coaching or accommodations, such as having conversation scripts, receiving reminders, or practicing communication in smaller steps.

For example, if your child feels anxious about speaking up in class, suggest they start by emailing their teacher or asking a question privately. Over time, these small successes build confidence and independence. Remember, every student progresses at their own pace.

Common Parent Questions: What If My Child Struggles to Connect?

Q: My child is nervous about talking with teachers. What should I do?

A: It is normal for high school students, especially neurodivergent learners, to feel anxious about approaching teachers. Start by validating their feelings and reminding them that teachers are there to help. Practice conversations at home, and help them prepare questions or statements in advance. Encourage them to begin with email if in-person conversation feels too stressful. If challenges persist, consider involving a counselor or special education coordinator for extra support.

Q: What if a teacher does not respond or misunderstands my child?

A: Miscommunications can happen. Encourage your child to follow up politely, clarify their needs, or ask for help from another trusted adult at school. Remind them that persistence is a valuable skill, and setbacks are part of learning.

Self-Advocacy Skills and Independence: Building for the Future

The guide to talking with teachers in high school is not just about academic success. It equips students with lifelong skills—self-advocacy, confidence, and resilience. By supporting your child as they learn to communicate with teachers, you are helping them develop the independence needed for college, work, and beyond.

Explore additional resources on self-advocacy to deepen your understanding and discover practical tools to support your child’s journey.

Tutoring Support

K12 Tutoring is here to help your child gain confidence in communicating with teachers and advocating for their needs. Our tutors understand the unique challenges neurodivergent learners face and offer personalized strategies to practice self-advocacy and effective communication. Together, we can support your child’s academic journey and help them thrive in high school and beyond.

Related Resources

• Parent-Teacher Conferences: Guide for Parents – Child Mind Institute
• Promoting Effective Communication with Parents in Education – High Speed Training
• What to Do If Your Child Is Falling Behind in School – HealthyChildren.org

Trust & Transparency Statement

Last reviewed: October 2025
This article was prepared by the K12 Tutoring education team, dedicated to helping students succeed with personalized learning support and expert guidance. K12 Tutoring content is reviewed periodically by education specialists to reflect current best practices and family feedback. Have ideas or success stories to share? Email us at [email protected].