Conversations with Parents--Candid, Clear, and Kind

What is a critical role in a teacher’s success, an essential building block of relationships, and an overlooked skill not taught adequately to students? The answer is conversations.

Nolan explores the essential role of clear and effective communication, particularly in the teacher-parent relationship. He also lays out some of the things that can make conversation difficult—differences in personality types and communication styles—as well as advice to overcome them.

This session is filled with practical wisdom, such as “when your mouth is open, you’re not learning,” lead with questions instead of statements, and allow for silence. Communication is a way teachers can show the love of Christ to those around them. As Nolan says, “Being heard is so close to being loved, it’s indistinguishable.”

“Conversations with Parents” was presented by Nolan Zimmerman at Teacher Inspiration Day in February of 2025 at Brookside Conservative Mennonite Church in Listowel, Ontario.