Parent Teacher Interviews

Luke's conference on Parent Teacher Interviews was very valuable and relevant to my development as an educator. As a future teacher, I understand that parent interviews are not only a stressful time for educators, however also for parents. This workshop emphasized that these interviews are more than just a requirement, however they are essential opportunities to build positive, collaborative relationships with parents and guardians.

What resonated with me most was the reminder that interviews should never be the first time a parent hears about concerns. This message stood out because it highlights the importance of establishing open lines of communication from the very beginning of the school year. As a teacher, building trust with families is a critical part of my role and that trust grows when parents feel consistently informed and involved in their child's learning journey. Waiting until a formal interview to bring up academic or behavioural concerns not only risks blindsiding the parent, however it can also create tension that could have been avoided with earlier, more informal conversations. Proactive communication through either emails, phone calls, or informal check-ins, shows parents that I care about their child's well-being and success. It also allows for a more productive relationship, where concerns can be addressed collaboratively over time rather than reactively in a rushed meeting. This kind of communication builds mutual respect, fosters transparency, and helps create a supportive network around the student. By keeping parents informed of both achievements and challenges as they arise, I am also better prepared to use parent-teacher interviews as a space to celebrate growth, identify strategies that are working, and set goals for continued improvement. This approach not only strengthens the teacher-parent relationship, but more importantly, it benefits the student by ensuring they are supported consistently both at school and at home.

Ultimately, this presentation reminded me that parent teacher interviews are about the child's growth and the steps needed for the child to succeed. It is our job to stay calm, positive, and prepared, while always aiming to celebrate student success and address areas of need with empathy and clarity. I now feel better equipped to navigate this important aspect of teaching with confidence and professionalism.

By: Talia M. OTECC