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Ask a Conductor
A s k a C o n d u c t o r

Question 5

What are some of your best practices for communicating
with parents and caregivers, specifically when it comes to

conflict resolution and expectations?

Welcome to the “Ask a Conductor” section of Libby Montiel Gopal
ChorTeach. In this reader-generated Q&A for- K-12 Visual and Performing Arts Supervisor
mat, readers submit questions related to teaching, at the East Windsor Regional School District
conducting, rehearsing with, or singing with K-12 New Jersey ACDA President-Elect
students. Educators who either currently work in libbymontielgopal@gmail.com
K-12 or who have past experience in K-12 will an-
swer the question, with a new question appearing in
each issue. Our goal is for this to be a very practical Communicating with parents and caregivers is important.
section that applies directly to current concerns in It is paramount to maintain healthy, clear lines of commu-
the choral classroom. Readers can submit questions nication, especially when handling a conflict or establishing
via the link in this Google form (https://forms.gle/ expectations. Here is a simple list of procedures I have fol-
oVcamzqp4KwXfo5M9) or by visiting the QR code lowed during my twenty years of being an educator in order
below. to minimize confusion and set clear expectations:

• Write a choir handbook that contains an overview of the
Ask a Conductor Submission Form course, attendance policies, grading policies, uniform expec-
tations, rituals, routines, and classroom procedures. Make
sure that this handbook is accessible to your school commu-
nity by creating it in the most common languages that are
spoken in your school district.
Question: What are some of your best
practices for communicating with parents • Have the parents/guardians and students sign a contract
and caregivers, specifically when it comes to acknowledging the expectations for being a part of your en-
conflict resolution and expectations? semble or course.

• Reach out to the parents (by phone, email, or informal
gathering) during the first two weeks of school to establish
communication.

ChorTeach Volume 15 • Issue 2 4 Winter 2023