Article+about+parent-teacher+communications+and+teacher+training

=Parent-teacher communication training= [|Link to article] Key guidelines for parent-teacher communications:
 * Notes: Many teachers don't know what to say; parents have different perspectives; teachers need scaffolded training and time for reflection; need to discuss what bullying is and is not; emotional-laden communication requires empathetic listening, acknowledge parent distress, and personally take responsibility for helping parent connect with right people. Parent/Caregiver Conferencing Model
 * Training - Simulation with staff (hook), introduce topic, brainstorm ideas on what to look for in video & what a teacher should do, video might be good training at a staff meeting (but is secondary school), review what teachers found, then show guidelines.
 * Listen well, regardless of the situation.
 * Balance constructive critiques with positive comments about the student.
 * Make parents feel welcomed and relaxed. Parents are not on their turf; they may feel anxious or nervous.
 * Inform parents that you, the teacher, will take notes during the conference so you can carefully address each of their concerns.
 * Be cool and calm in everything you say and do. Your tone of voice and mannerisms can escalate or deescalate parent-teacher interactions.
 * Be deliberate and realistic in what you promise a parent. Remember that you cannot feasibly call or e-mail several parents or caregivers every day.
 * Collect data on what you say. Take note of how many questions you ask, how often you offer the parent encouragement, and how often you emphasize the ideas or suggestions that the parent brings to the conference.
 * At all costs, do not use your authority as a teacher as a means of forcing your point of view.
 * Interact with parents or caregivers to learn more about the student and to understand how the parent has been successful or unsuccessful with that student at home.
 * Understand your role as a teacher and have a working knowledge of how other school professionals can support parents and students. Generic referrals to "seeing a guidance counselor" are not always necessary or appropriate.
 * Conduct the conference in a warm, enthusiastic, and professional way. Teachers who appear apathetic, aloof, or begrudging will seldom foster successful relationships with parents and caregivers.