NSU University School Faculty, Staff and Employee Handbook

36 3. Do NOT become involved in, nor take ownership of a parent’s poor tact, rude behavior, or personally attacking statements. THESE STATEMENTS ARE USUALLY MADE FOR REASONS OTHER THAN THEY APPEAR. REMEMBER, THAT YOU TEND TO DISCREDIT YOURSELF IF YOU, TOO, BECOME EMOTIONAL, ANGRY OR THREATENING. 4. DO NOT ARGUE WITH PARENTS. Disarm angry, hostile parents with your clam, honesty, and patience. An argument cannot occur without your participation. You do not have an obligation to endure oppressive or abusive treatment from parents, occasionally you may need to stop an interaction, stating that you should talk at another time. BE SURE TO KEEP THE EMOTIONAL FLAME LOW-MAINTAIN PROFESSIONAL LEVELS OF INTERACTION THAT WILL NOT ADD TO THE EMOTIONAL LEVEL. 5. Parents may tend to disagree with a teacher’s statement (most often in the initial stages of a conference). It is their privilege to do so – to be entitled to an opinion (with which we may/may not agree). Do not take a defensive stance, as it is not particularly productive. your purpose is NOT to convince the parent that they are wrong, but to encourage the parent to view the situation realistically or differently. IF PARENTS PERCEIVE YOUR ABILITY TO LISTEN TO THEIR STATEMENTS, YOU STAND A BETTER CHANCE OF HAVING THEM PERCEIVE YOURS! 6. Be mindful of the potential negative reactions to some parents or toward some of the things some parents do/do not do. Remember that you are an advocate of the child – as is the parent – and that we need to work together as a team. Teachers can be much more effective during parent interactions when they do not allow their own emotions to dictate their responses. Remind parents that we usually want the same thing they do – what is best for the child and that this can be accomplished when all parties work together in a supportive manner. 7. Attempt to close the conference with a positive statement and try to elicit the parents’ satisfaction with the conference. 8. YOU ARE A COMPETENT EXPERIENCED PROFESSIONAL. YOUR CONFIDENCE IN YOURSELF WILL BE EVIDENT NOT ONLY BE WHAT YOU SAY, BUT HOW YOU SAY IT. YOU ARE ABLE TO POSITIVELY INFLUENCE THE ACTIONS THAT PARENTS TAKE FOR THEIR CHILDREN. STUDENT ATTENDANCE POLICY AND PROCEDURES Teachers are responsible for keeping accurate attendance records for all classes. With the implementation of My Back pack, electronic attendance records will be maintained.