Online Parent Teacher conference

[Anonymous]

Is this normal? In our previous school the conferences were in person. In the new school are online. I understand doing that during the pandemic, but it’s feels a bit puzzling in 2025. Is it the same in your school?

[Anonymous]

I am a private school teacher, and online parent teacher conferences are one of the few things that I like so much better than the pre-covid version.

Attendance is so much better, because parents can participate from work, or if they've gone out of town.

Many fewer people are late.

No one is eavesdropping in the hall.

No one is distracted by the classroom (it's really frustrating when you've finally got 15 minutes to talk to that parent who has ignored your emails, and they waste 8 of them asking questions about your bulletin board, or where their child sits, or whatever)

It's so much more productive.

[Anonymous]

Most parents prefer the convenience.

[Anonymous]

Greatly prefer the zoom conferences. Our schools continued doing them after Covid.

[Anonymous]

Our school is offering a choice. I scheduled a zoom meeting. Much better for my schedule and no loss of content/discussion. Some things are better in person; 10 minute parent teacher conferences aren't.

[Anonymous]

Online is better. BTS night and PTCs were super stressful before Covid, running between rooms, watching the clock, trying to be social. Now it’s a million times better.

[Anonymous]

As pp mentioned, better attendance and timeliness. Also, many area schools are offering conferences on Thanksgiving week. It gives families and teachers the flexibility to travel early while still attending to the necessary business of conferences.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Greatly prefer the zoom conferences. Our schools continued doing them after Covid.

+1, outs did the same. So much more convenient for us and for the teachers, much more efficient to schedule (and stay on schedule!). 5-minute “passing time” (or runover time) built in, and no need to pad to get from a classroom on one side of the school to a classroom on the other. No commute, and can put on a nice top and stay in pajama bottoms. 😂

[Anonymous]

This is one of the few things Covid did to improve life. Our private does zoom conferences and I’m so glad they never went back. So much more convenient and productive

[Anonymous]

There should be an option for in-person conferences. I would choose it even if I can arrange my schedule because there is no substitute for face-to-face meetings. This is usually the one chance for me to meet the teacher to discuss DC's progress. I understand that it's not so convenient for some parents.

[Anonymous]

I prefer in person but I think virtual are much more practical and efficient. And I always have the option of speaking to teachers in person if I want. I assume you do as well? So start out virtual and if you need to speak more, arrange an in person time. This doesn’t need to be a “thing” of virtual vs in person.