Central West Virginia's Guide To Life

ALWAYS AT HOME
By Lisa Sheldon

11/07 - The Parent/Teacher Conference

All parents of school age children have gotten or will soon be getting that letter from school about upcoming parent/teacher conferences. We often see these as something else we have to do. Maybe this year, we can see it as something we get to do.

Schools do not just schedule these conferences as habit or because they have some guideline that states they must. School administrators, teachers and para-professionals are anxious to share with you how your child is doing in class, throughout their school day away from you and in their free time at school. School takes up 35+ hours of your child's week. Wouldn't you like to know what's going on all that time? I would.

I try to take advantage of these conferences also to get to know the teachers who play such an essential role in my children's lives five days a week for nine months. Teachers are teachers, not social butterflies or politicians (although they can be these things too). No, they may not all be as approachable as others but, teachers are people with a love for educating and inspiring the young. If we see them like this, we should be able to find common ground with any teacher.

When scheduling a parent/teacher conference, please be sure you are not in a rush. This will limit your ability to share and gather information. If you have questions for a specific teacher or in a specific subject, write it down so you won't forget when you have the teacher's undivided attention.

Should your child be with you? This is a common question for parents to ask themselves. I have always taken my boys with me in case there was something they needed to hear or wanted to talk about. But, I always ask the teacher upon entering the room if they would prefer to speak to me privately. This gives the teacher control in the situation to say no if they have something they don't want to discuss in front of the student.

There are also times that you made need to schedule a time to meet with a teacher between parent/teacher conferences. Don't hesitate to contact them by note, phone or e-mail if you have a need to meet with them. Teachers have a time period during the day for planning and other responsibilities. They will usually be glad to meet with you during this time. "But, I work all day," you may be saying. Let the teacher know that an evening meeting would be better, but be willing to be flexible. We alter our schedules for much less important things.

If you have chance to visit with your child's teachers, take it. They are a big influence on your child. Think of this as an opportunity to get a sneak peak into your child's school life and a chance to hear their praises sung and problems addressed. It is all about the kids.

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