Preparing for Teacher Conferences

Parent-teacher conferences can be very beneficial for everyone involved, and can help you address strengths and weaknesses in your child’s education. As parents we look forward to the feedback teachers give us, and expect teachers to arrive to conferences prepared. But what we often forget is that it’s just as important for parents to do the same. Since this is one of the only opportunities to meet one-on-one with the professional educator who spends a lot of time with your child, it’s important to make the most of your conference.

Educators and teachers agree that these conferences are important. Teachers often have a more objective view of our children, and the meetings are not only a chance to speak about grades and tests, but also other, larger developmental issues as well. While parents attend these conferences hoping to learn more about their children, teachers also welcome parent’s input and insights. Together, you can learn valuable things about your child’s social and emotional well being as well as their academic performances, helping them grow in a holistic way.

Here’s how you can make the most of your parent-teacher meetings.

Before the Conference

• Prepare ahead of time. Don’t wait until the night before. Instead start folders early in the year of test scores, homework assignments, notes from the teacher or your own notes on your child’s progress.
• Talk to your child about how he or she is doing in school. This can be academic but it can also be about problems like peer pressure or bullying. Don’t be afraid to look into something you find upsetting before the conference. Talking to other parents can be a good start.

During the Conference

• Be sure to arrive early so you aren’t flustered. It’s also common courtesy and shows the teacher you are a concerned and respectful parent.
• Bring a positive attitude with you. Even if you want to discuss difficult topics, make an effort to start the conversation in a positive way. Tell the teacher about something your child liked, or something he or she came home excited about. This helps keep the teacher from being put on the defensive, and makes it easier to segue into tougher issues.
• Find out how you can follow up. Many teachers are available outside of these conferences. Ask your child’s teacher if he or she prefers you contact with your concerns via email, notes or phone calls. Reinforce that you are there to help support both your child and his or her teacher, and are a partner in your child’s education.

After the Conference

• Be sure to follow up on necessary things. If the teacher brought something to your attention, make a plan and put it into action. This can be anything from helping your child get more organized, addressing a social problem that is distracting your child, or getting additional outside help from a tutor. Whatever it is, your child is worth the effort and the teacher will see and appreciate your commitment.
• Keep your child in the loop. Let your child know any positive things the teacher said before talking about any concerns. Talk about your plans to work on areas of difficulty and let your child be active in the solutions. Being honest and upfront with children helps them realize that change is within their control, and that both you and the teacher want the best for them.

Source: Geiger, Debbe. “Make the Most of Your Teacher Conference,” scholastic.com.