I recently overheard two educators talking about the upcoming parent-teacher conferences. Here’s how the conversation went:
Educator #1: How do you feel about parent-teacher conferences tonight?
Educator #2: (Head cocked a little bit) What do you mean?
Educator #1: Well, you know, getting ready to meet the parents.
Educator #2: It’s no different than any other day. I call and talk to parents every day. It’s part of what I do.
The first educator’s mouth dropped open and was almost frozen in place. They clearly had some apprehension about that evening and engaging with parents. The second educator was just going about their business as usual. They had made communicating with parents part of their daily routine. Good things, bad things, surprises, trends, updates, and more. They are a master communicator, which is how it should be. We can’t spend hours calling every parent every day, but we can make it part of our routine to effectively communicate with parents early and often in our relationships.
With today’s technology and the world we live in, there are so many quick and easy ways to communicate with parents, beyond a phone call. Maybe you don’t have the time, or maybe you don’t have the privacy for a call. We can use one of the many tools out there to communicate differently. Perhaps your school subscribes to a parent portal. Utilize technology to make these connections.
In 24-25, we switched to Parent Square–and wow, what a great communication tool. There are many ways, in addition to a traditional phone call, to communicate with parents quickly, safely, and clearly. I am a big fan and use it often.
Make effective communication with parents part of your routine: Good, challenging, quick chats, longer, deeper conversations, celebrations, and concerns–connect with parents early & often, that way, on formal nights, like parent-teacher conferences, or open house nights, it’s no different for you. It’s actually comfortable. It’s relaxing and enjoyable to meet many parents in person and up close.
All groups involved with schools want the exact same thing: The best for their child. So let’s continue to work together with parents and build partnerships that are best for the children!
Keep surviving and thriving friends!
