The Dreaded Parent Teacher Conference

 


Ok, I have a confession.... teachers really dread the parent teacher conference! When I was a new teacher, I felt confident and happy about my lesson plans and actual teaching. Then it was time for the parent teacher conference. I worked in a private Catholic school and knew the parents pretty well, but I was nervous about those conferences. I had to tell a parent that her daughter was getting a D in math and was told that the parent didn't pay for D's. I reminded her that I had nothing to do with what her tuition costs! I had parents that grilled me about every lesson and every minute of the day. But I also had some awesome parents that supported and appreciated my work.

As a parent, I also dreaded the parent teacher conference. What was I going to hear? Was I a good parent? Were my kids doing well or were they flunking miserably? I was always happy when it was over. 

The one thing to remember about parent teacher conferences is that they are supposed to be beneficial to both parties. It is often the only time that the teacher and the parent can actually speak about the child's progress, what they need to work on, and how to go forward. So, keep attending those conferences and don't bring your child. These meetings are for parents and teachers. It's not called the parent teacher child conference! 

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