Tips for Successful Parent- Teacher Conferences

Conferences should not be your first contact with parents Communicate frequently via class newsletters or bulletins Create a teacher website or class wiki Use a class blog to increase dialogue Provide reinforcement by making positive phone calls home Communicate with parents proactively when concerns arise

Think about the waiting area  Are there chairs?  Can others overhear the conference?  What about books ?  Children’s books to peruse while waiting  Parent books to check out  What about paper & pens for parents to write their student a note to be left on their desk or in their file?  Do parents feel welcome?

If the conference is your 1 st contact with parents…  Spend some of the valuable minutes talking with parents about the strengths they see in their child  Let the parents know the strengths you see, too.  Share your year goal for their child  Ask their year goal for their child

Parents are our strongest partners in ensuring student success Remember that parents are resources with valuable information about their child.

Begin and end with a positive comment. You will attract more flies with honey than with vinegar.

Encourage students to attend Encourage students to self-reflect before the conference Utilize tools such as the Teacher Report Card or Quarter Reflection Sheet to promote student-led dialogue Strategize how to include students in the conference

Remind parents that you are working toward a common goal  “I understand why you’re upset. I’ve been really worried about Johnny’s progress lately too.”  “I am so glad that you came in! Sometimes all it takes is the students realizing that their parents and teachers are working together.”

Close with next steps or an action plan for the student, parent, and teacher

Be sure to thank the parent for coming…  And reinforce their commitment to their child’s education