Observing Parent Teacher Conferences

I spent the conference days moving from my main placement to my dyad placement observing over twenty conferences.  Both my schools are Title 1 and sometimes conferences included a crowded table of safety net, special education, guidance counselor, interpreters, teacher, student teachers, parents and sometimes students. I was amazed at the thoroughness of assessments, portfolios and preparation that goes into conferences and grading. It was so good to see two different teachers and approaches to conferences. Parents of all the students in both my placements were amazing and there was one constant; all parents want the best for the children. Both master teachers connected to parents by asking what their concerns were and then listened. After all, parents know their children better than any of us sitting at that table. We all shared the same goal, for the student to succeed. I am thankful this weekend for my family, great food, my friends and my health, but I am also thankful for my students and what they have taught me over these short months. I am excited to go back to my 2/3 grade kiddos in January.