Tips for the Teacher/Parent Conference

As a parent, you will probably have an opportunity to have a teacher conference at some point, during your child’s academic career. What is the best way to have a successful conference with your child’s teacher? Do you really want to be that parent that the teachers try to avoid at all costs? Chances are, you really do want the best for your child! Pay attention and you can learn from an experienced teacher what to do so that is really is a win-win situation for everyone involved.

1. Start out friendly and with an open mind. Teachers really do want to help kids be the best students possible.

2. Ask questions about your child’s performance in class, not the teacher’s. Kids usually try to protect themselves by blaming the teacher when there is a problem.

3. Students usually have one perspective and the teacher has another. Let the teacher explain any problems as he/she sees it and how your child can do better.

4. Believe it or not, not everything a child says is accurate. Parents sometimes believe that their child is not capable of
lying, cheating, stealing or cursing.

5. Remember that, when you send your child to school, it is possible for them to do things that they will not tell you about
once they get home.

6. Ask the teacher what you can do to help your child get their homework, study, have the proper supplies, etc.

7. Have an agreement with the teacher-If your child is having a problem with behavior, have your them bring an assignment book and ask the teacher to write a short note at the end of the day or class.

8. Ask that your child be isolated in the seating arrangement if he’s distracted or not listening carefully.

9. Make sure his/her teacher knows how to contact you during the day and evening.

10. Let the teacher know how much you appreciate their help and express any concerns you have about their child’sprogress politely.

If you use these tips and express your desire to help your child be successful in school, you can’t help but be a positive
influence on your son/daughter but also, on the teacher!