Many parents/guardians will be coming to “check you out.” Be prepared to instill confidence regarding 
your instructional abilities. Share your relevant experiences and let your enthusiasm show. It is a good 
idea to post relevant information for parents/guardians on chart paper and have a display of the text 
series you will be using as well as the Ontario Curriculum for your grade(s) since you will likely get busy 
talking with one family after another. Topics to address:

O Outline the topics you will cover during the year.
O Cover all relevant points.
O Include classroom routines, expectations for students, assessment/evaluation strategies and 

homework policies.

O Identify how, when and where you can be reached.
O Share ideas about how the school and home can work together to support the child’s learning in 

and out of school.

Successful Parent/Guardian Interviews

Did you know that most board consultative staff, coaches, facilitators, and resource support teachers are 
ETFO members?

Before the Interview:

O Be aware of any family situations where parents/guardians may not have access to their children 

and the information about their school progress (check the OSR for court orders regarding this).

O Determine how much time you will allow for each interview.
O Consider whether students will be involved in the interview.
O Consider the set-up of your room and the area for the interview.
O Provide translators if English is the second language.
O Practice your message if you perceive a conflict.
O Invite other staff to be present (resource teachers, principal, special education teacher) if it is 

beneficial to the interview.

O Have forms on hand that require a parent’s/guardian’s signature.
O Be ready for questions about the child’s behaviour, ability level and achievement in certain 

subjects.

O Have dated student work samples that show growth and needs.
O Make accommodations for physical disabilities.
O Arrange for chairs in the waiting area.
O Set up information in the waiting area with curriculum documents, school plan, samples of 

student work.

During the Interview:

O Greet the parents/guardians at the door.
O Begin with a positive statement about the student and his/her involvement in the classroom.
O Listen to what the parents/guardians say.
O Ask if there is anything you should know that might impact on the child’s school work and life.
O Avoid the use of educational jargon which can create awkwardness for the parents/ guardians.
O Be specific in your comments about the student by giving examples of what you mean and 

showing examples of student work.

O Ask for the opinions of the parents/guardians.
O Collaboratively develop goals and a course of action.

59

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