Tips for successful parent teacher conferences

1. Don’t let conferences be your first contact with parents Class newsletter Teacher website or wikispace Class blog Positive contacts home Phone calls or emails when concerns arise

2. Remember that parents used to see their kids this sweet and defenseless …some of them still see them this way.

3. Start and end with a positive comment. You will attract more flies with honey than with vinegar. Even if you have to share a little “vinegar” during the conference, all parents deserve to hear something good about their kid.

4. Get the student’s voice in the conference one way or another. Encourage students to attend Quarter Reflection Tool Teacher Report Card

5. Remind parents that you are both on the same side. “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 kids realizing that their parents and teachers are on the same side to get them back on track.”

6. Close with some type of next steps for the student, parent, and teacher.