“Parents’ Night: Jackets and ties have been donned, and all day the school has felt like a newlywed’s home before the in-laws arrive. Finally, a chance for parents to put a face to a name, for teachers to witness once more the awesome power of genetics.”

In School by Ken Dryden.

No one enters teaching to spend more time with parents. And yet, as partners in education, teachers interact with parents on a regular basis. Creating healthy relationships with parents from the outset, built on mutual respect and trust, is essential. Parent-teacher conferences early in the school year offer us a good opportunity to do just this!

Here are some tips for getting organized for parent-teacher conferences, and well on your way to establishing healthy parent-teacher partnerships.