Austin Peay future teachers practice tough parent talks

Austin Peay State University is preparing future teachers for difficult parent conversations by putting them through simulated parent-teacher conferences before they enter local classrooms. Fifty-six students from the Eriksson College of Education recently took part in the exercise at Austin Peay's Nursing Simulation Center, according to a community announcement. The students are among dozens expected to begin student teaching in local classrooms next semester. Faculty from the College of Education and School of Nursing developed the exercise, which paired education students with nursing majors acting as concerned parents. The future teachers responded to parents' feedback and worked together on a scenario involving a child who had suddenly begun having difficulties in the classroom. "I think this was a great reminder of what the career we're going into really is," said Caroline Jansen, a senior elementary education major. "It's not just about teaching ABCs or math; you're training the next generation, interacting with parents, and serving as a caretaker for these children." Students received briefings from professors before and after the exercise. "You never know how someone is going to react during a difficult conversation, and [having that experience] makes us feel more prepared to start teaching," said Arianna Swett, a