MY PERSONAL PHILOSOPHY...




It is my philosophy that as a teacher I have the responsibility to teach my children to the best of my ability and to develop strategies to help them reach their full potential as well as a responsibility to enable my students to become active and informed citizens in our society and prepare them for a life beyond school. My classroom is the basis for this and that is why I will do my best to cater to the needs, abilities and interests of all my students. In creating a safe, inclusive and engaging learning environment my students will feel accepted and appreciated. I will give my students the respect they deserve and embrace diversity and in turn will gain their trust. My classroom will be a place where my students will want to come to every day and leave at the end of the day with a smile on their face and a sense of achievement.


DEALING WITH PARENTS

Interactions with the parents of your students wont always be a positive experience,before you are going to meet with the parents be prepared by having some tips ready of what you are going to say. Try to stay positive and convey  to parents that you are there to help their child without placing any blame or put downs. 
The interactions and relationships with parents is one of the fundamental and daunting components of teaching that new teachers must learn to manage. I have heard of many situations were teachers end up in power struggles with parents. 

Below is some good advice that I found from Lee Canter (Parents on your side, 1991). 
    • Make sure you have contacted the parents regularly about problems before you call them in for a meeting.
    • Be flexible when setting up a time for the meeting
    • Bring out all documentation
    • Greet the parent/s warmly
    • Maintain eye contact and call the parent/s by their name
    • Be sensitive to the parent's feelings
    • Say something complimentary about their child early on
    • Allow parent/s to raise their concerns as well
    • Don't dredge up old incidences from the past, which have already been dealt with.
    • Don't overwhelm parents with too many issues
    • Do not discuss any other student
    • Make detailed notes of what was discussed. NOTE: If possible, have another teacher or someone from the staff be present as your witness.
    • Consider giving parents some concrete ideas for behavior management at home.

     
    http://www.inspiringteachers.com/classroom_resources/tips/parent_communication/dealing_with_difficult_parents.html

    http://www.minniscomms.com.au/educationtoday/articles.php?articleid=144



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