Virtual Parent Teacher Conferences

This year, we are doing something different and that is virtual parent teacher conferences.

I am going to share with you five tips that I have to make these go smoothly.

Student Created Welcome

I have my students create a sheet digitally that I pull up for when the parents first get on zoom. They write a letter to their family, answer questions about themselves, and take a selfie.

This is a great discussion starter and a way to ease into the conferences!

Grab it for free here!

Digital Student Info Sheet

I also fill out a sheet with all the information I want to talk about at the conference. Then, we basically just go through the sheet. This makes it so much easier for me to get through each conference quickly and productivity. It does take some work on the front end, but I think it is so worth it!

Before I fill out these forms I have my parents fill out the parent survey. This way I know what they want to ask about or talk about before we actually start the conference.  (this is also free with the link above)

Sharing Your Screen

As soon as I hop on with the parent I instantly shared my screen.

I first shared their student welcome sheet, then we went through the student information sheet, then I shared the test scores that I had pulled up, and then I asked for any questions.

When we were done I asked if they had a gmail that they wanted me to share this information with them and I shared the document right then and there, so that they had it.

Scheduling and Reminding

We use signupgenius.org to have our parents sign up for the conferences. Then, I would send them the zoom link as a reminder the day before their conference.

I also would send home a little note with their kid on the day of their conferences as an extra reminder.

Taking Care of Yourself

CONFERENCE WEEK IS SO SO HARD!

Honestly, it is one of the hardest parts of teaching, in my opinion.

So, during this week, take care of yourself! Get a massage, sleep in a little later, order takeout instead of cooking, go out with friends. Just do something for YOU!

Then, on actual conference night make sure that you eat, use the restroom, take a breath, etc. It is so tiring, so you need to make sure to take care of you.