Make your open house successful by understanding the school’s format and expectations for teachers during this important time. There are three main types of open houses. Find out which type your school is hosting, and then prepare for that format.

Introductory Group Open House

This type of open house is held in the first few weeks of school. You will be meeting groups of parents for a limited amount of time. Since clear feedback hasn’t accumulated yet, the school only expects you to introduce yourself and your classroom to parents. You are not expected to give parents specific information on their children. You can offer to schedule meetings with parents who have concerns. Often saying that a child is doing “fine” is enough for parents without having to give specific grade information.

Instead, prepare a speech that includes your educational background, your classroom expectations, curriculum, discipline, and grading policies. Parents usually follow the students’ schedules in the middle and secondary levels, so you may only have ten minutes with each group of parents. Time your speech, and always prepare more than enough to say.