In today’s busy world, staying connected with your child’s education can be challenging. Families separated by distance, living arrangements, or language barriers find this especially difficult. Seesaw fosters inclusivity, ensuring that every family—regardless of their situation—can be part of their child’s learning journey. With Seesaw, families stay in the learning loop, no matter where they are or what language they speak. Here’s how teachers and families are experiencing the power of connection through Seesaw.
Supporting Military Families Across Distances
Military families often face the challenge of parents being deployed far from home. Seesaw keeps these families connected by allowing them to engage with their child’s learning in real-time. Jessica Neal, a Pre-K teacher at a military school, shares, “We are a military school, so parents are often away but can still feel connected to their student.” Whether overseas or stationed in another part of the country, military parents stay up-to-date with their child’s progress, photos, and activities.
Elaine Shindelar, a reading teacher, recalls how Seesaw brightened the life of a student whose father was deployed. “The fact that the dad could leave a voice comment on the student’s work brought the BIGGEST smiles each time,” she shares. It’s moments like these that showcase how Seesaw isn’t just a learning tool—it’s a lifeline that strengthens family bonds during challenging times.
Wioletta Chwal, an ESL teacher, echoes this sentiment. “Seesaw made it possible for her dad to see all the activities and photos of her learning. The family was so grateful that he was able to share the student’s learning experiences, even oceans away.” Seesaw helps bridge the gap for families separated by military service, offering a sense of normalcy and connection in uncertain times.
Out-of-State and International Family Connections
For children with parents living out of state or grandparents living internationally, staying connected to their education can feel impossible. But with Seesaw, distance is no longer a barrier. Melissa Montgomery, a first-grade teacher, describes how Seesaw acted as the glue for a child with divorced parents living in different locations. “Seesaw was the glue for all parties to see, check, and know how their child was doing at school regardless of which home they were with during the school week,” she explains. Both parents can actively engage in their child’s learning with Seesaw. Even those unable to attend conferences in person can give feedback and encouragement.
Seesaw also connects students with family members abroad. “Family members from out of state or out of the country could see their child or grandchild’s work,” says Montgomery. This global connection allows families to share in their child’s accomplishments. Regardless of where they are, Seesaw creates a supportive learning environment.
Inclusive Communication for Families with Limited English Proficiency
For many families, language can be a significant barrier to staying involved in their child’s education. Seesaw’s translation feature breaks down this barrier by instantly translating messages, making communication seamless between teachers and non-English-speaking families. Kelly Benne, a third-grade teacher, experienced this first hand with refugee families from Russia and Ukraine. “It was wonderful being able to send communication to their parents in their native language. This took one of the stressors off of the table,” she explains.
Similarly, Pamela Hinton, a special education teacher, highlights how Seesaw transformed communicati
on with families who speak little to no English. “When I found out that Seesaw messaging was instantly translated for parents, it was a game changer,” she says. Parents who previously felt disconnected from their child’s school were suddenly able to participate, respond, and stay engaged.
Equitable Support for Divorced Parents
Seesaw offers a way to keep both parents involved in their child’s education, no matter where they live. Melissa Sheffer, a fifth-grade teacher, recalls how Seesaw’s digital portfolios became a source of support and connection for these families. “Seesaw has become more than just a tool; it is a source of support and inclusivity for these families,” she says.
Kelsey Moore, a fourth-grade teacher, shares a similar story. “Seesaw allowed the dad to stay connected to his son by not only being involved in his learning by ‘seeing’ his learning, but also by staying connected through daily comments,” she says. For divorced parents, Seesaw provides a platform that ensures they both can engage in their child’s learning, no matter the physical distance.
Seesaw: Connecting Families, Fostering Success
Seesaw goes beyond being just a digital portfolio or a classroom tool. It’s a bridge that connects families to their child’s learning, regardless of the circumstances. From military families and those with limited English proficiency to out-of-state relatives and blended households, Seesaw makes it possible for everyone to stay involved. Families who use Seesaw not only see their child’s progress but also actively contribute to their educational journey.
This unique connection creates a powerful support system, ensuring every student feels encouraged and valued. Families are true partners in their child’s learning journey, and staying in the loop is something every family deserves to experience.
Title I, Part A: Parent & Family Engagement
In addition to these personal stories, Seesaw helps schools meet federal Title I, Part A: Parent & Family Engagement requirements. Title I programs provide funding and emphasize outreach, involvement, and communication with families in schools with high numbers of low-income students. Seesaw’s features empower schools to foster strong partnerships between families and educators through visibility into student learning, two-way communication, and family access. Schools that actively engage families through tools like Seesaw often see improved student outcomes. Benefits include higher attendance, better grades, and a more positive school climate and so much more.
To learn more about how Seesaw supports Title I parent and family engagement, visit this resource.
