Many of my teacher-friends do not look forward to conferences. I am an odd-duck in that I look forward to conferences! For me, conferences are a time to touch base with parents, look at the strengths and struggles of each child, and form a partnership to help the students be as successful as possible.
This past week, we held parent-teacher conferences. Out of the 18 kindergarteners entrusted to my care, only one child's family did not show and that was due to a sudden family emergency, out of town. We will do that conference when they return, one day after school. Of those families, six conferences included both parents.
Additionally, I feel that parents can give teachers a huge insight to their children. One of the most important things that I can do is to make the parents of each child feel welcome and that their insight into their child will help me be a better teacher for their child. This is why, when I get my class list at the beginning of each school year, I call each parent, tell them I am going to be their child's teacher this school year, and invite them to Back-to-School Night. I also have a "secret" Facebook page, where I can share classroom news, pictures, updates, etc. Parents are also give my cell phone number. In the six years I've been doing this, not once have the parameters been breached. Those parameters include no calls before 6 a.m. or after 9 p.m.
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