Tips and Guidelines for a Successful Parent/Teacher Conference

 Andrew Stutts

10 GUIDELINES FOR A SUCCESSFUL CONFERENCE

1. Stay within established time schedules for the conference.
2. Do not sit at “your” desk. Establish neutral ground such as a worktable to hold the conference.
3. Outline what needs to be discussed.
4. Remember that conference information is confidential and for professional use only.
5. Attempt to keep personal feelings out of the conference.
6. Give your total attention to the parents and the tasks at hand. Don’t watch the time or appear hurried during the conference.
7. Realize that you are dealing with individuals. Parents and their reactions will be different.
8. Don’t criticize or make statements which might place parents on the defensive.
9. It is important to discuss children as individuals. They should not be compared with other children.
10. Smile! Share positive aspects of the child’s educational experience as well as negative.

DO’S AND DON’TS FOR TEACHERS

DO

• Do be honest. When a question is asked, give a direct answer.
• Do be specific.
• Do avoid arguments.
• Do assume that parents will do their part.
• Do encourage questions and/or suggestions.
• Do respect the parents’ feelings.
• Do be flexible.
• Do listen.
• Do be prepared. Assemble samples of student work to show to the parents.
• Do be a good host. Meet parents at the door and make them comfortable.
• Do keep records. Make note of important information when the conference is completed.

DON’T

• Don’t criticize school policies or other teachers.
• Don’t hurry.
• Don’t give commands or directions.
• Don’t talk down to parents.
• Don’t be shocked by statements a parent may make.
• Don’t jump to conclusions.
• Don’t try to “place the blame!”
• Don’t ask personal questions.
• Don’t gossip or listen to gossip.

TIPS FOR TEACHERS

It is important for teachers to review the objectives for working with parents. Conference time can help strengthen communication and allow parents and teachers to work together in educating the child. Conferences are also designed to create positive parent attitudes toward the school and create an interest in the school and classroom.

Working with Parents:

1. The teacher’s attitude will set the tone for the conference. Establish a rapport with the parents and define the common goal of working together to meet the needs of the child.
2. Make the parents feel comfortable. Greet parents with a smile and a handshake.
3. Remember that parents want the best for their child. They want their child to succeed and will generally accept responsibility toward this goal.
4. Encourage parents to share information and listen to their concerns. You can learn more about the child by listening than you can by talking.
5. Prepare any materials to be shared with parents.
6. Anticipate parent questions. Be prepared with information about specific special projects, grading and homework policies, behavior, social interaction, etc.
7. Accept all parent verbal contributions concerning the student.
8. Be supportive and willing to help. Share your ideas.
9. Be considerate of the parents’ feelings. Remember, this is their child you are talking about.

Concluding the Conference:

1. Be sure to summarize the conference, noting the positive aspects, what needs to be worked on, and recommendations.
2. Conclude the conference with plans for follow-up activities. Outline a plan of action.
3. If parents have shared important information, make a note of it immediately after the conference is completed.
4. Follow-up on suggestions or plans made during the conference and encourage parents to do the same.
5. Remember to say thank you and tell them it is nice to work with parents interested and involved in their child’s education.