In a time when tablets and smartphones are nearly as common as pencils and notebooks, education has transformed in powerful and complex ways. As digital tools redefine the classroom experience, parents are more important than ever in supporting students’ success—but they also face new challenges navigating the rapidly evolving world of educational technology.
That’s where Chris Bressi, a respected educational technology leader based in Downingtown, PA, steps in. With years of experience as an instructional designer and EdTech advocate, Bressi understands that a strong partnership between schools and parents is essential in today’s digital learning environment.
In this blog post, we explore Chris Bressi’s top strategies and insights for building strong parent-teacher partnerships in the age of digital learning. His mission is clear: empower educators and engage parents to support the whole child in a connected world.
The capacity to learn is a gift; the ability to learn is a skill; the willingness to learn is a choice.
– Brian Herbert
1. Recognize Parents as Partners, Not Bystanders
Chris Bressi believes that parents are a vital extension of the learning process—not spectators.
“Parents aren’t just helping with homework. They’re co-pilots in this journey, especially when learning is happening at home or online.”
He encourages schools to view parents as collaborators, involving them in tech integration decisions, learning strategies, and curriculum discussions. This mindset shift helps bridge the gap between home and school, ensuring continuity in students’ learning experiences.
✅ Quick Tip:
Host regular virtual parent engagement nights where you demo new tools, answer questions, and gather feedback.
2. Communicate Clearly and Often
In the digital age, communication should be multichannel, consistent, and proactive. Bressi emphasizes that educators must meet parents where they are—whether that’s through email, apps, or social media.
“Communication is no longer just a flyer in a backpack. It’s a message on ClassDojo, a tweet, or a video update.”
Popular Tools for Parent Communication:
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Remind – Two-way messaging with translation support.
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Seesaw – Digital portfolio and communication tool.
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Bloomz – Combines messaging, calendar updates, and behavior tracking.
Bressi suggests that schools set expectations early for how and when communication happens, so parents always feel informed and empowered.
3. Provide Digital Literacy Support for Families
One of the biggest challenges in the digital age is that not all parents feel confident using technology. Chris Bressi strongly advocates for family tech training sessions to help bridge the digital divide.
“You can’t expect parents to support learning on a platform they don’t understand. We need to give them the same access and training we give our teachers.”
Ways to Support Parent Tech Literacy:
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Host “How-to” webinars on classroom apps.
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Create a family-friendly tech help desk or support portal.
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Offer tutorials in multiple languages.
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Share short videos explaining platforms like Google Classroom, Canvas, or Zoom.
The goal is to reduce tech anxiety so parents can confidently help their children navigate digital tools.
4. Promote Balanced and Healthy Digital Habits
With increased screen time comes concern about student well-being. Chris Bressi stresses the importance of teaching digital balance and modeling healthy screen habits—and helping parents do the same at home.
“Technology is a tool, not a babysitter. We need to teach students how to use it intentionally—and that starts with strong home-school alignment.”
Bressi’s Tips for Promoting Digital Wellness:
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Share family screen time plans or device contracts.
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Encourage tech-free family time or outdoor breaks.
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Recommend age-appropriate apps and websites.
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Offer guidelines for managing social media and online safety.
Parents appreciate honest, practical advice that helps them guide their kids through the complexities of digital life.
5. Involve Parents in Digital Citizenship Conversations
As technology becomes a core part of learning, digital citizenship is now a fundamental life skill. Chris Bressi encourages schools to partner with parents to reinforce online etiquette, privacy, and safety at home.
“We’re not just teaching kids to be good students. We’re teaching them to be responsible digital citizens.”
Bressi recommends incorporating parent participation into digital citizenship programs. For example:
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Invite parents to co-view online safety lessons with their children.
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Provide take-home discussion guides.
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Use platforms like Common Sense Media to share vetted resources.
This joint approach builds a consistent message about responsibility, respect, and resilience in digital spaces.
6. Be Transparent About Data Privacy and Security
Parents today are rightly concerned about how their child’s data is being collected, used, and stored. Chris Bressi advises schools to be transparent and proactive about student data privacy policies.
“The best way to build trust is through honesty. When parents understand how tools protect their child’s information, they’re more likely to support tech integration.”
What to Share with Parents:
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A list of approved digital learning platforms and their privacy policies.
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Clear explanations of how student data is used (and what is not collected).
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Contact information for your school’s technology or privacy officer.
Empowered parents are informed parents—and transparency strengthens trust.
7. Highlight the Human Element Behind the Tech
It’s easy for families to feel disconnected when their child spends hours behind a screen. Chris Bressi reminds educators to humanize the digital experience.
“Behind every screen is a student with emotions, goals, and challenges. Behind every platform is a teacher who cares.”
Whether it’s a quick video greeting, a personalized message, or a live virtual check-in, small gestures go a long way toward reminding parents that real connection still matters most—even in a digital environment.
8. Celebrate Family Wins and Involvement
Involve parents not just when something goes wrong, but also when their child succeeds. Bressi believes that celebrating family engagement reinforces its importance and builds positive momentum.
Ways to Celebrate Parent Involvement:
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Shoutouts in class newsletters or social media.
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“Parent Partner of the Month” awards.
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Showcase collaborative student projects that were done at home.
These efforts reinforce a culture of shared success and encourage more families to stay engaged.
Conclusion: Building a New Kind of Learning Community
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In today’s tech-driven world, learning no longer stops at the school gates, and neither should parent involvement. Chris Bressi’s approach to partnering with parents is rooted in respect, communication, and collaboration.
By empowering families with the tools, knowledge, and confidence to engage in their child’s digital education, we’re building a community that supports the whole learner—online and offline.
As Bressi says:
“When educators and parents work together, students don’t just succeed—they thrive.”
Need help creating a parent engagement strategy for your digital classroom? Let us know in the comments or contact our team for free resources and templates.
