Ideas For Working With Parents
Teacher Rights During a Parent Conference
Unfortunately, the teacher may legally have to face the parents alone. In Thrower v. Arlington, a teacher felt that a conference with a parent had turned negative. She asked to leave the conference and to return when she had her representative with her. Her request was denied. She chose to leave, anyway. As a result, she was reprimanded by the Arlington ISD.
The TEA Hearing Officer's decision upheld the reprimand, stating that the parent-teacher conference did not involve an investigation of her professional ability. Therefore, she had no need for the protection afforded by a representative. The conference involved confidential information concerning the student. The student's right to privacy would prohibit the involvement of a representative in such a non-investigatory setting. Additionally, an earlier decision of the Commissioner of Education held that a teacher has no right to representation outside the formal grievance proceeding. Therefore, neither Mrs. Thrower, nor any other teacher, has a right to legal representation during a parent-teacher conference.
Quick Tips For Parent Conferences:
1. Do not apologize for bothering the parent.
2. Do not minimize the problems.
3. Do not belittle your abilities.
4. Do not downgrade the consequences of the child's behavior.
5. Do not hold a conference if not prepared.
6. Do not discuss a student in front of other students or parents.
7. Do not discuss a student in the middle of class.