PARENT-TEACHER CONFERENCE REMINDERS

Parent conference are just around the corner!  Here are a few tips to help educators prepare for these important meetings!

1.Keep It Positive -Assume good will from parents as our partners.

Parents want to see their child succeed more than anything else. Welcome every parent as your strongest ally in working with their child.

2. Prepare, Prepare, Prepare- Be ready to use your time wisely

What is your goal  for the time you have with the parents? What exactly do you want to communicate? What would you like the outcome of this meeting to be?

Have notes and work samples, and plan exactly what you want to share. Don't open a huge folder bursting with data. Put sticky notes on the items you want to share, and select the best examples to help meet your goal.

3. Be Solution Oriented- Don’t admire the problem.  Have ideas for possible solutions.

Be specific when asking for change. How can the parent help her child?  What specific action would you like them to take?

Always convey a growth mindset.Change is always possible, given the right conditions. If you want to see changes, be prepared to offer specific, actionable solutions.

4. Take the Opportunity to Learn-  What don’t you know about the child?  Listen to what is said, or not said by a parent.

What can you ask parents that might help you better support their child? This is a great opportunity to hear the parent’s perspective on their child's school experience, and for the parent to share what their child enjoys outside of school.  Be an active listener.

5. Show that You Care- Parents don’t care what you know until they know you care.   

For parents, conferences can be stressful. Parents all have experiences with teachers from when they attended school.  This shapes who they are, and how they respond.  Don't underestimate the power of specific positive feedback.  There is always, always something positive and praise-worthy about every single child. It's your job to find it and share that with parents.

6.  Be Intentional With Your Message.  Pay attention to your body language and Avoid “Teacher Lingo”

Be cognizant of how you set up your area.  Sitting next to a parent, rather than across, sends the message we are working together.  You should also set up your area so you can see a clock and keep track of time easily without distracting from the conversation.  Pay attention to your facial expression and what messages your body language sends. Avoid the use of school/ educational acronyms and educational jargon.  Use plain language to explain ideas to parents.