Parent Conferences - Don't Be Scared!

Parent conferences can be stressful. They are stressful to you and to the parents.

Try to be organized, professional and ready. Before conferences, I always make notes on each child so if I “freeze” I can refer to the notes.

I also have the student portfolios ready and any other documentation needed for the parents to sign or read.

I start each conference on a positive note. Even if you can’t think of something positive, try to tell a funny story about their child or point out something in the room they created. This will help the parents warm up to you.

After the conference, always document what was discussed and when the conference was held. Some schools have a specific form to do this. If not, just record it in your plan book so you can refer to it if need be.

I have been surprised how many times over the years I have had to produce a specific date a conference was held for one reason or another.

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