Conference Blog- Parent-Teacher Interviews

Attending Luke Palozzi's conference presentation on parent-teacher interviews gave me valuable insights into one of the most important aspects of teaching that I did not have much knowledge or experience with prior to the conference. Parent-teacher conferences can be daunting, but a consistent message throughout the presentation was that these interviews are not just check-ins or a chance to discuss challenging behaviours, but a great opportunity to celebrate student success, build trust, and foster collaboration between teachers, parents, and students. 

During this conference, tips for parent-teacher interviews were shared using practical "Dos and Don'ts", professional anecdotes, and questions were encouraged throughout to help teacher candidates understand the foundations of parent-teacher conferences. I appreciated this relaxed and open presentation style as it allowed for discussions to be had regarding this engaging topic. 

This workshop gave me a clear understanding and approach to what can be a stressful experience for both teachers and parents. This conference highlighted that it is important to remember that parents are often just as nervous as educators are and that having empathy and active listening to parents can make a significant difference in the outcome of the interviews. The guidance on maintaining professionalism, such as not discussing other students, not sharing personal anecdotes, and avoiding judgmental language, gave me a solid ethical foundation to approach these conversations confidently and respectfully.

I will apply what I have learned from this workshop in several ways in my practice. I plan to use the advice of initiating early contact with parents once school begins, to build a positive relationship so that interviews have a better chance of going smoothly. I will also use the advice of coming prepared with work samples, anecdotal notes, and any other information that will support discussion and provide evidence of student learning. Most importantly, I will create a welcoming environment by greeting parents warmly and use these interviews to build positive relationships. This conference has given me a strong foundation and knowledge in parent-teacher interviews as I begin my journey as a teacher.

EDU491-JuliaR@NU