Parents Weekend

So. I have endured my first Parents Weekend. It was actually rather exciting, hectic, and exhausting all at once. The morning of Friday was devoted to classes- all the classes met; the regular Friday class met for 35 minutes each and the others met for 15. They were mainly to show the parents teaching methods and to give them a quick description of what the year would bring. Both of my classes usually meet on Fridays, so I had two 35 minute-periods in which I sang and danced for the parents. I went over the basic goals of the class and then taught a few points of grammar. Fairly basic, and successful enough that no parent asked a question I couldn't answer; in fact, hardly any parents asked any questions at all. I did have on dad ask me about the subtleties of Latin translation, which was exciting since it meant that he was paying attention and that I got to gush about Virgil for a bit. But that was the highlight of the teaching portion of the day.

The afternoon was devoted to parent-teacher conferences, in which I sat down one-on-one with each set of parents of each of my kids and went over how that kid was doing. They were only ten minute meetings, but from 1:00-3:30, all I did was talk to parents. This was the exhausting part of the day. For the most part, however, the parents were gracious, enthusiastic, and eager to assist me in any way they could. "What can we do at home? Is there anything specific we should be looking for? S/He really tends to do this thing; what can we do to help he/him focus more?" These were the types of questions I got, questions that I was more than happy to answer. I want all my students to be successful, and it is especially helpful if I know the parents are backing me up too.

There was one parent, however, who was determined to see me fail. One parent who sat across from me, never smiling, telling me that it was due to the "teaching methods" that his/her child was not doing well in my class. One parent who, when asked what his/her child's learning method was, said, "Well, we've just never had this problem before." S/he refused to help me, refused to give me any suggestions that might help the child improve. Just the constant, subtle accusation that I was at fault for this particular child's failure. I thought the ten minutes would never end, and when they finally did, I had to fight back tears as I sat, bewildered, waiting for the next meeting. Jamie, my mentor, came in, since it turned out to be a short break, and asked how things were going, at which I promptly burst into tears. Luckily, Jamie is amazing and told me what questions to ask and what to say in that situation, and totally had my back, supporting me and reassuring me. I went into my next meeting hoping it would be another Parent from Hell, but comforted by the fact that I knew how to handle it.

It's amazing how some parents are so eager to place the blame anywhere other than where it really belongs.

After this particular meeting, the rest of my conferences were wonderful, with parents characteristic of those described above. I left that evening feeling more confident in what I do. The next day, at brunch, a few other co-workers came up to me, saying they had heard about what had happened, and expressed sympathy and shared similar horror stories. It made me love CA more, knowing that my co-workers cared enough about me to seek me out to give me council and comfort when they knew I had had a rough time.

So, that was my first Parents Weekend. I hope it is the first of many, and that I get a few more Parents from Hell so I can put them in their place. ;-)

This is where I live now...

Here are a few snapshots from my new home, Concord, MA. Enjoy!



Walden Pond:

Phelps House, in whose basement my apartment is located:
The main sign for CA:
A wonderful view of Boston from the top of a Revolutionary War fort: