conferences
October 10, 2006
Oh, just the word strikes fear into the heart of many (particularly newbies like myself). I teach sixth grade, so the parents typically have ten years on me, and boy, do they know it. They look at me like I better get a clue because they know I don’t have one. They like to challenge me for the fun of it. After all, I wouldn’t be intimidated by a 15 year old, so why would they be intimidated by a 25 year old?
Not that parents even come in for conferences in a rational state of mind. I firmly believe that parents are utterly ignorant and irrational when it comes to looking at their child objectively. It’s just not a possiblity. I understand (well, not really), when they are yours, it’s different. They are a piece of you and you just don’t want to see them in a negative light. I get that, but give me some credit. I’ve dedicated my life to the education of children, and I didn’t do it for the money. I’m a nice, rational person, with some insight into your child’s academic and social progress. I will do what it takes to help them, and I just want a little respect.
Tonight, I have conferences. I’m waiting for the first one, due in 7 minutes, although I doubt she’ll show, seeing as how her daughter informed me (right before leaving school) that her mom was getting married today at 5:30. Interestingly enough, her conference is at 5:15pm, so I’m doubting that she will be showing up in her wedding dress. Conferences are always like this (not the marrying part), you expect one thing, and you get something completely different. Sometimes it’s as simple as expecting a booked night only to have a bunch of no shows. Sometimes it’s expecting a mean parent, only to have them cry. Sometimes it’s expecting a nice parent, only to get a quick jab (verbal, of course). It’s a little disconcerting, but I’m beginning to learn not to be nervous. When I’m nervous nothing happens, it’s only when I least expect it that I get a surprise… you know the kind.
So, on to my fourth year of conferences and yet another night of surprises.
