How to ease scheduling of parent-teacher conferences

Source: SmartBrief on Education in partnership with GreyED

As an elementary teacher, I have always dreaded scheduling parent-teacher conferences. I sent students home with a conference schedule noting my availability and parents would send back a form with their chosen time. I would use the forms to manually schedule time with each parent and input every meeting into my calendar. As you can imagine, it was a tedious, time-consuming process.

And then I discovered Bloomz, a free parent-teacher communication app available for iOS and Android devices. The app lets users share pictures, class updates and private messages, plus organize volunteer requests and parent-teacher conferences.

To set up parent/teacher conferences in Bloomz:

  1. Go to My Calendar and click “Event.”
  2. Click on the date and add time slots.
  3. Choose the duration of each conference.

Parents sign on to the app and pick a time that works for them. When they’re finished, the app notifies me and I can make adjustments if necessary.

If you are having multiple conferences on one day, you can schedule time in between conferences. Once you’ve scheduled all of your time slots, you can share the calendar with your entire class or select individuals who have access to see it. Bloomz sends me and the parents reminders prior to the conference.

Give it a try!

Dina Logan currently teaches first grade at the City of Pembroke Pines Charter School in Pembroke Pines, FL, where she has been for the past 12 years. She received her bachelor’s of science degree in Pre-K/Primary Education from Barry University in Miami Shores, Florida, and her master’s degree in Exceptional Student Education from Arkansas State University.