Living a Faith-Filled Life

A few tips for teachers who will be meeting with parents for conferences:

Whether you've scheduled a special conference or this is the mandatory conference around report card time, there are a few things you can do to help the conference go well.

1. Give the parents a clue. Especially if you've called a special meeting, you need to let the parents know what you would like to discuss at least a few days ahead of time.
2. Give the parents a chance to weigh in. Before the conference, send a note home asking them what THEY would like to discuss. It will help you prepare and avoid being ambushed.
3. Start with the agreeable topics. Begin your conversation with something you're sure you agree on. It doesn't necessarily have to be positive. Don't assume you agree on things, though. You may be surprised!
4. Be objective. Don't point fingers at people but at the problem. It's very easy for a conference to turn defensive.
5. Be positive. Even if your main objective is to discuss problems, be sure to bring up the positive. You don't want parents walking away thinking you don't like their child.
6. Be clear. Don't generalize or use educationeze. Be specific and use language every parent can understand. Avoid misunderstandings.
7. Clarify. When a parent says something to you, don't be afraid to repeat what they said, making sure you understand.
8. Sum it up. At the end of the conference, review the main points of your talk, any game plans for the future, and set up a follow up conference if necessary.

Have a great conference!