Teachers are usually expected to set up a parent-teacher conference for each student at least once a year. Some schools require parent-teacher conferences to occur twice a year. Some children have special circumstances that will require more frequent meetings. This will require a lot of effort on the teacher's part.
Parent-Teacher Relationship
Host a “getting-to-know you” session prior to the start of school or a Parent Night. This allows parents to meet you and vice versa. Connect their faces and stories to each of your students. Sometimes you can better understand a child after seeing from whom he came. Ask parents to share any pertinent information with you. While keeping it on a professional level, share some pertinent information about yourself. Avoid sharing any personal information and soliciting personal information from parents.
Communication with Parents
Designate certain times of day when parents can contact you by telephone if they have any questions, comments, or concerns. Call any time you have a concern or even to share some good news. Some schools allow teachers to use email. Send home regular newsletters full of general information, as well as personalized notes about each child’s progress.
Preparation for the Parent-Teacher Conference
Compile all of your notes regarding each individual child. Think of your favorite anecdotes that demonstrate the child’s personality. Gather results of any tests, both in class and for other evaluation purposes, that you have given the child. Collect work examples, as in a portfolio. Compare your notes to those of any other professional who has been involved in the child’s education. Consult with your administrator about any concerns you may have, as well as any potential referrals for further evaluation.
Setting Up a Parent-Teacher Conference
Many schools have appointed dates and times set aside for parent-teacher conferences. Set up several appointment times throughout the designated times, but be prepared to have to make a few appointments outside those times. Provide a long enough session to allow for adequate discussion.
Conducting a Parent-Teacher Conference
You are in control of your timing. Promptly start and end each appointment. Parents are just as busy as you and will appreciate your punctuality. Make it clear that further discussion can be had at a later date in the near future.
Take the time that you need to share all of your observations and analysis of the child’s progress. Also be sure to allow an adequate amount of time for the parent to voice her concerns and ask her questions.
Listen to the parent’s questions with an open mind. Answer as honestly as you can. When in doubt of a proper response, tell the parent you will investigate and get back to her.
You may not always agree with a parent’s observations and need to brace yourself for some occasional attacks. Always remain calm and remember that the relationship between parent and child is different than that between teacher and child. Acknowledge her concerns and give them some thought. If necessary, enlist the help of your administrator to mediate between you and a difficult parent.
Setting up a Follow-Up Conference
When you run out of time during a parent-teacher conference, you may need to set up a time to meet again to finish the conversation. Sometimes you are providing goals for a child’s progress, either implemented at home and/or at school, and you need to meet again to discuss the progress.
Read tips for parents here:
A Successful Parent-Teacher Conference
Andrea Coventry - Andrea Coventry is a Montessori child, now Montessori educator, with 25 years' experience with children, publishing online since 2007.
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