More Than Grades: Rethinking Parent-Teacher Conferences

Jasmine Cox, Jennifer Sharpley, and Allison Kaufman explore how strengths-based conversations, meaningful observations, and family partnerships can help educators see beyond grades and support the whole learner.

On This Episode

In this episode of What’s Strong With Us, Jasmine Cox welcomes elementary educators Jennifer Sharpley and Allison Kaufman for a conversation about rethinking parent-teacher conferences. Together, they explore why report cards and academic data never tell the whole story of a student and how recognizing strengths, social-emotional growth, classroom relationships, and individual experiences can help educators better understand each learner. They also challenge deficit-based labels such as “bossy” and “lazy,” showing how a shift in perspective can help educators recognize student potential without overlooking real challenges.
More Than Grades: Rethinking Parent-Teacher Conferences

The conversation offers practical ways to make conferences more meaningful, from sharing positive observations before meetings to celebrating specific examples of student growth and involving families in setting shared goals. Jasmine, Jennifer, and Allison explore how educators can lead with empathy, understand data in context, and create a stronger partnership between home and school. The central message is simple: know the child, celebrate with evidence, understand the data, and partner with the family on what comes next.

Key Takeaways :

Look Beyond Grades to Understand the Whole Learner
Academic performance matters, but strengths, well-being, relationships, and social-emotional growth help educators build a holistic picture of each student.
Use Data to Guide Growth, Not Define a Student
Consider current performance alongside past progress, individual strengths, and the support a learner needs. Data should guide meaningful next steps rather than become a student's identity.
Make Families Partners in Student Growth
Invite families to share their perspectives, identify common goals, and help shape next steps. Effective conferences build shared understanding, identify targeted resources and supports, and keep everyone working toward the student's success.

Additional Resources & Reading

About the Guests

  • Jennifer Sharpley

    Elementary Educator | National Board Certified Teacher

    Jennifer Sharpley is an accomplished educator with 21 years of experience in elementary education. She holds a bachelor's degree in Elementary Education, a master's degree in Literacy Education, and is a National Board Certified Teacher with a literacy focus. Jennifer was named the 2022–2023 Teacher of the Year at Woodland Heights Elementary and was a finalist for Iredell-Statesville Schools Teacher of the Year. After 12 years with Mooresville Graded School District, Jennifer joined Iredell-Statesville Schools, where she has taught for the past eight years. Her work focuses on technology integration, differentiation, relationship-building, and Personal Learning Pathways. She is passionate about meeting individual learner needs, using data to guide instruction, and creating classrooms where every student feels supported, challenged, and empowered to succeed. Jennifer's Thrively Strengths: Leadership, Creative Thinking, Academic, Focus, Social Justice

  • Allison Kaufman

    Elementary Educator | Third-Grade Math

    Allison Kaufman is a dedicated elementary educator with 10 years of experience inspiring and supporting young learners. She holds a bachelor's degree in Elementary Education and is National Board Certified in Middle Childhood Generalist. Allison is passionate about creating engaging, student-centered learning experiences that foster academic growth, confidence, and a love of learning. She spent four years teaching at a Title I school in Tallahassee, Florida, before joining Iredell-Statesville Schools six years ago, where she continues to teach third-grade math. Throughout her career, Allison has focused on meeting individual student needs and building positive, inclusive classroom environments where every child feels valued and empowered to succeed. Allison's Thrively Strengths: Flexibility, Athleticism, Analytical, Drive, Verbal