Parent-Teacher Conferences

Had the Parent-Teacher Conferences tonight. Most of the teachers only had a handful of parents stop by. I was chasing a record with the Middle School Science teacher for who had the most. We both were hovering aroun 14 or so. I think she had me beat because I had a 20 minute break in the 3 hour session and she didn't have a break. That was a lot of parents. Not to mention some that just showed up. Not bad, it was good to see that many parents involved in their children's academics, especially at this school. Kelly, the MS Science teacher and I were joking as to what we were doing wrong (or right) to have so many parents coming to us.

For the most part it went really well. Most of the parents were of kids who were very strong and just wanted to meet the teacher (which is the case in the States as well). There were a few parents of weaker children who were struggling in my class. I tried my best to make some suggestions and be honest without being too mean. For the most part, the parents agreed with me when I told them I thought their child was lazy or they needed a kick in the butt. However, I had to be careful which parents I told this to. I felt the parents out first and could tell if I could get away expressing myself in those words or if I needed to put the words a little more delicately.

There was one parent who was arguing a 'B' her student got in my class. Unfortunately, it was the last parent of the night and a 10 minute conference ran into about 35 minutes. She was telling me about everything and anything on her mind, the things she didn't like about the school, what she does and her kid being sick (which she has been missing the last few days). She also said that last year, the superintendent (who was removed from the school for various reasons) allowed her daughter to make up some assignments and rework some homework problems because she did not receive an 'A' in the math class. She started to try and pry at me and see what 'help' I could provide for her daughter. I think she was rather dissapointed when I didn't budge, luckily for me, I have the backing of my principal on this one.

Also, I think there has been a little grade changing with my grades. I had one parent who came in and asked me why their child's grade was so low at a D+. When I check my gradebook, that student should have had an F. I didn't have the heart to tell them that it actually shouldn't be that low (plus, I didn't want to make the school look incompetant), so I just explained what the kid had been doing in my class and ways to improve his grade. I always tried to speak of any improvements and things that are going well with these students in my class. I never lied and gave credit where it was due.

I did receive two gifts from parents. One was a keychain from the parent who was trying to get her daughter's grade changed. Don't know if that was a bribe or not, but I'm sure I'll be hearing from this parent in the future, or someone will. From what I've been told, she doesn't understand how her daughter can get a B, it must be all A's. The other gift was a very nice blue and white tie, which will go nicely with several of my shirts that I have. I originally thought it was candy or something, but when I opened it, I was pleasantly surprised. It is a really nice tie. Truly, I am extremely excited to have received it. I do not remember who it was from, but I'm going to find out tomorrow at school and write a note to that parent. This was a great gift.

I don't think a teacher would ever get gifts from parents during this session back home. I have a feeling this has to do with the respect teachers receive in this country. I must admit, it was a very nice feeling to be respected and appreciated.

Aaron