Today marks my 5th set of parent teacher conferences. It's amazing to think how much I have changed in my approach to talking with parents and students since my first parent teacher conference two years ago. My first year I was very upbeat and scared to say anything that would upset a parent or make them disappointed in their child. Fast forward to the present day and now that all-smiles, naive, approval seeking teacher has been replaced. The new me is much more blunt (and probably a much better politician). I've come to realize that parents value honesty and openness. Thus, giving specific and constructive feedback is much more helpful than just sugarcoating what their child is like. I have also found that even when being transparent it's important to choose your words carefully. For example, instead of saying, "Your student is incredibly apathetic about life." I try to say, "Your child needs to work on being engaged in the classroom."
I think the thing that breaks my heart the most at conferences is the "delusional parent." You know, it's that parent that thinks their child should be a straight "A" student, but the student is just not at that caliber. It's always so hard to convince parents that it's not about the grade; it's about the learning process and the student achieving the level of work they are capable of. Unrealistic expectations on kids just seem so unfair and usually leave the student feeling not valued for who they are. (Disclaimer: I am not a parent. So I have no idea what parents go through at conferences. )
On a happier note, an overwhelming majority of the parents I met with were very supportive of their child and our school. Despite the tiredness factor, I found this round of parent teacher conferences to be enjoyable and constructive.
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