High School Lessons #3

Lesson #3: Parent/Teacher Conferences can be a good thing

They say that nothing is truly free in this world.

They aren't lying.

I have a "Teacher Free Day" today, so that means no school ... But you better believe that I have earned every single penny (and more) of this paid day off! While I'm only actually in front of the classroom "teaching" students for just under 3.5 hours a day, and my experiences this year have not been nearly as traumatic as those from last year, my job is far from easy.

Being a teacher requires you to be so many things at once: expert, entertainer, motivator, disciplinarian, inspiration, friend ... Although I'm not yet at that stage of my life, I'd have to compare it to being a "temporary parent."

Just when you think you know what you're doing, you realize that you know nothing at all.

Just when you think you've seen everything, something comes as quite a surprise.

Anyway, this "Teacher Free Day" is a reward for making it through two consecutive nights of (oft dreaded) Parent/Teacher Conferences. Despite the blatant lack of parents in attendance (I probably saw just under half of the parents I should have), I think that things went well, and I actually enjoyed myself during each of the 3.5 hour sessions. Of the parents that did show, many were enthusiastic and perfectly pleasant individuals, just the type of parents a teacher hopes for ... And they gave me so much insight as to why their kids act certain ways and just what to do about it in the classroom.

For example, some parents took the "tough love" approach and gave me permission to knock their sons and daughters "upside the head." Others offered their unyielding support and put into words what I've been feeling for months: "You're not there to entertain [the kids], you're there to teach them." One father actually teared up as he described how proud he was of his daughter for achieving straight A's this quarter (and he should be proud, because his daughter is awesome ... I don't know what I'd do without her!).

In every "conference," I gained something useful for the coming months. I gained validation that I'm doing the best that I can on any give day.

I gained perspective.

I wouldn't say that these conferences make me wish that I was back in the classroom instead of enjoying my lovely stress-free Free Day at home ... But I will admit that all of the hand shakes and "thank yous" provide a shock of bright sunshine in a profession that can so easily be dark and stormy. Uphill battle or not, communication (and support!) from parents can really make the difference and give you the energy to keep on going.

Free Days don't hurt either. :)