First Parent-Teacher Interview Goes Better Than Expected

I had spent days agonizing over what to say/not to say, how to couch my words in the 'right' tone so I would convey the 'right' impression...

In the end, it all came down to God's gracious provision and sincerely applying the rapport building skills I built at TCI. I matched and mirrored, said what I needed to say, and went through Beth's portfolio of awards and writing samples page by page, explaining what they were for.

The teacher bowled me over with her responses.

She said she wasn't surprised by Beth's NAPLAN results and achievements at Spellmasters, asked what kind of books she likes to read, made some analytical comments to herself as she glanced at Beth's writing samples ("Yup, she's got structure and sequencing and this and that...") and suggested that Beth type up some of her stories so they can be published i.e. placed on the bookshelf in the classroom.

She asked if Beth has read "Watership Down". I said no. She began to give me a synopsis and critical analysis of the book, and I thought to myself, "She really knows what she's talking about."

I began to feel such a sense of peace and respect for this teacher, for her ability to read people and for her obvious knowledge of the methodology of teaching.


At the end of the ten minutes, I felt like we had come to an unspoken agreement. We're all on the same team, with the same mission and goals.

Most important of all, the teacher actually "gets" Beth after just 2 weeks. The feeling I got, which I can't explain, is that she's a grown-up version of Beth. Maybe Beth is like what she used to be at the same age: smart and a bit quirky and non-conventional.

I'm so glad I pushed past my initial misperceptions and misgivings to pursue what I felt to be in my child's highest interests.

I am thoroughly convinced that Beth is in good hands, and that she is where she's meant to be.