Teacher/Parent Conferences (Teacher Tips)
Deborah Jeter

Teacher-parent conferences are generally encouraged but sometimes, teachers avoid them like they're the plague. I will try practically everything known to man to resolve an unfortunate discipline problem before I set up a conference. It's like the absolute "last straw" with me. I guess some of the reasons some teachers don't pursue teacher-parent conferences more often is:

    * Their work load is already so great that they would find it difficult to confer with parents face to face when a phone call would save time.

    * They are afraid of confrontational parents that come in feeling very threatened and defensive.

    * They don't think it would accomplish much.

There are probably many other reasons why some teachers don't enjoy parent/teacher conferences. If you have your own reasons, please share it in the discussion link at the bottom of this page. (You must be a member of Suite 101 to post.)

Suggestions for Parent Conferences
The following list is an excerpt from Parent on Your Side provided through
Lee Canter and Associates, 1991

   1. Make sure you have contacted the parents regularly about problems before you call them for a conference.

   2. Be flexible in setting up the meeting time.

   3. Be sure you have documentation about the child's behaviour for referring to specifics during the conference.

   4. Greet the parent warmly.

   5. Don't have the parent sit on a student-sized chair while you sit in a teacher's chair.

   6. Be sensitive to the parent's feelings throughout the conference.

   7. Maintain eye contact.

   8. Call the parent often by name.

   9. Say something complimentary about the student early in the conference.

  10. Be a good listener.

  11. Don't do all of the talking. Allow the parents to voice their concerns.

  12. Ask the parent for their input regarding the student.

  13. Explain problems in observable and clear terms.

  14. Don't dredge up old incidences from the past, which have already been dealt with.

  15. Don't overwhelm the parent with too many problems. Stay focused on key issues.

  16. Do not discuss other students. If the parent tries to shift the blame to others, stay focused on the major reason the conference was set up for.

  17. Make detailed notes of what was discussed. NOTE: If possible, have another teacher or someone from the staff be present as your witness.

  18. Consider giving parents some concrete ideas for behaviour management at home.

In closing:

It is important to have a positive relationship with the student. Many times he or she will want to comply with your requests. Although children should be trained and encouraged to comply with adult commands, demands or commands should not be excessive. The child needs to be allowed to make some decisions on his or her own. Offering choices in some things can make the child more willing to "give in" to your requests in other areas. 

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Children who have been taught to be cooperative and respectful at home generally perform better at school. Parents are doing the right (and loving) thing by ensuring that their child learns these things in their home environment.

Related Links of Interest

<a href="http://www.addinschool.com/">Students with A.D.D.</a> <a href="http://www.newideas.net">New Ideas</a>

<a href="http://www.nea.org/index.html">The NEA offers helpful tips in communication</a>.

<a href="http://www.parentpower.org/index.html">Parent Power</a>