Parent/Teacher Conferences

This past week (November 5-9), I had the privilege of experiencing my first parent/teacher conferences from the “teacher” side of things.  Having attended some conferences with my parents when invited to join, I greatly underestimated the planning, presentation, and attitude the teachers put forward during these conferences.  The time I spent with the parents opened my eyes to their perspectives on education. 

                We had the day off from school on Monday in order to prepare for conferences.  The first conference of the day was to start at 1 pm.  I arrived at school at 12:45 only to find out that the first family had called and cancelled.  While this day was to be focused on parents and their students, the free time served as a great opportunity to collaborate with my teacher and paraprofessional on future lessons, too! When the parents did begin to come, I was able to learn so much about my students.  I have heard it said that once you meet someone’s parents, it becomes clear why they are the way they are.  I have seen this first hand when meeting the parents of my residents in the dorm, and now again in these parent/teacher conferences.

                One of my biggest “take-aways” from this time of conferences relates to the home-life of students.  As teachers, we often don’t see or know what a student’s life really is like outside of school.  So many of the little behaviors and management issues in the classroom can be directly related to the way the student is treated in the home.  Some students grow up with strict parents that expect them to work and do chores around the house.  Other students are given special treatment because they are “disabled” and little has ever been expected of them.  Different parenting styles play a large role in the attitudes of our students.  When meeting with the parents, the student’s positives and negatives are often validated and understood in context, which can be very helpful for understanding.

                How then, can I as a teacher work to understand where my student is coming from and form a united front with the parents to help this child succeed?  The collaboration between parents and teachers is vital, but can be so difficult when the views and personalities clash.   The most important thing seems to be letting the parents know that their child’s success and well-being is the teacher’s top priority.  If the parents see their child as a priority as well, then a successful collaborative relationship can be possible.  Give and take is necessary, but as a teacher I need to be an advocate for my student as to what will be best for them to assist them in a successful future. Being united with parents is rewarding, beneficial, and can even be fun!

                As an added bonus, my teacher said to always make sure to find some way to show the parents that they are appreciated.  This could come in the form of having cookies, punch, a letter for them, something made for them by their student, etc.  Any added bonus or show of appreciation will be well received!