The paper presents the results of a study carried out within the framework of the accredited seminar of the Institute for Advancing Education and Upbringing of the Republic of Serbia "The professionalization of class teachers in cooperation with parents". The aim of the study was to find out how class teachers perceive cooperation with parents, which presents an essential element of improving the quality of work in schools.

The sample consisted of class teachers (N = 242) in primary and secondary schools in Serbia. A descriptive method was used in the study and a questionnaire specifically developed for the study purposes. The results of the study on the perception of class teachers on the reasons for cooperation, problems, responsibility and satisfaction with cooperation present a valuable source of data for the development of strategies for improving cooperation with parents.

In order to achieve this goal, improvement of professional skills of teachers through their initial education and permanent professional training may present a good path to an active, higher quality cooperation between teachers and parents. It is assumed that the obtained data will contribute to a better understanding of cooperation between parents and class teachers and will become the basis for further exploration of this topic and for providing support to teachers in designing strategies for improving cooperation.

Key words: parents, teachers, class teachers, cooperation