Successful Parent Teacher Conferences

Participating in Parent Teacher Conferences can be a stressful part of being a teacher. You want what is best for your students. Sharing areas of strength and other positives is the easy part. Presenting concerns can be uncomfortable for both you and parents. I am approaching my twelfth year of parent teacher conferences. There are times that I am nervous, but by now I have a routine and things that I do to every year that help to make them successful.

Prior to Conferences

Send out your sign-up sheet a few weeks ahead of time. Have parents mark their 3 most preferable times, ordering them from 1 to 3.
For those that you know or suspect will need extra, leave the time slot immediately after theirs free.
If you don’t get a conference slip back from a student’s parents, make a phone call or send an email to try to set one up.
Send home a survey for parents to fill out. Questions they may have for you and/or concerns about their child. Have them return it to you prior to the conference so that you are prepared.

Send home a conference reminder – listing the time and day for their scheduled conference. Copy on colored paper to have it stand out

Have students complete a self-evaluation to rate their own learning, behavior, etc.

Prior to the conference, fill out the conference notes. This will help with maintaing a focus and purpose.

Setting the Stage

Make sure your room is tidy.
Have students clean out their desks
Outside the classroom, have a table decorated for the appropriate season.
Consider having a basket with candy for waiting parents
Include a sign-in sheet.
Have chairs sitting outside the room
Display student work in the hallway for them to look at while waiting.
Need supplies? Have a wish list for parents to choose something to donate.

During Conferences

Close the door for privacy
Don't sit behind a desk. Sitting side by side is ideal. This helps parents feel less intimidated.
Make eye contact.
Begin the conference with saying something positive about their child.
While conferencing, always remember that their child is their world and that you all ultimately want what is best for their child. Within reason, the parent is always right.
Take notes. This will serve as a reminder for you. You see many parents during conference time, and it's hard to remember everything you talked about with all parents.
Make it a priority to stick to the allotted time. You don’t want angry parents before they come to the conference.
Thank them for coming and let them know you are looking forward to the rest of the year.