How to Hold a Parent-Teacher Conference

As a classroom teacher, I have held over 200 parent-teacher conferences--and no two are ever the same. My approach and preparation for a conference are always the same. A teacher can and should do certain things to put the parents at ease while at the same time remaining professional. Here are steps for a successful and productive conference.

Instructions

1. Start the conference on time. This usually means ending the previous conference on time as the conferences are scheduled back to back. Getting off schedule early in the day can throw off the schedule for the rest of the day.

2. Give the parents a warning before the conference if you think you are going to tell them something that might really shock them. I will send a note home the previous week and give them an idea of the child's progress or lack of.

3. Start with the positive. Most teachers know to always start a conference on a positive note no matter where the conference is heading. A teacher should be able to find something positive to say about any child.

4. Advise the parents of the next few steps to address the child's progress. For example, if the child is misbehaving, do not bombard the parents with examples of their actions. Spend your time discussing how you are going to address the issues and what they can be doing at home to address the issues.

5. Provide the parents with examples of their child's work from class. Nothing speaks louder than the child's own work.

6. Do not allow for separate conferences for divorced parents. The parents need to hear the exact same information, otherwise you may end up having to hold yet another conference for them.

7. Ask an administrator to attend the conference if you think it might become confrontational or uncomfortable for you.

8. End the conference on time.

Tips & Warnings

• Leave an empty few minutes after every few conferences just in case you get backed up.

• Have some soft music playing, as it puts everyone at ease.

Resources

• Rock and Roll Kindergarten