Case
The parent who wants to tell you how to teach

Your student's mother has scheduled a meeting for this afternoon, but she has given you no indication of what she wants to talk about. Your student is doing very well academically and socially, so you don't have a clue as to the topic. At the appointed time, Mom enters your classroom, sits down, and begins to tell you that she feels you need to present your class lessons in a different way and that your curriculum could be improved. How would you handle this situation?

Solution #1
Top Solution
You must always be polite and open to constructive criticism. However, you must let the parent know that the curriculum, by state, is mandated and must remain unchanged. Ask the parent why she feels this way and see if you can come to an agreement that will satisfy both parties. If parent is not satisfied, it may be a good idea to get an administrator involved.

I agree with this solution. Let the parent know you hear them and do not get offended. If the parent continues to bring up your teaching methods then maybe there should be a third party involved.

Solution #2
I would apologize to the parent for feeling this way about my lessons and explain to her that I always choose and execute my lessons for the best interest of the students. As long as my students were successful academically and socially, I would not modify them in anyway because one parents feels they are not up to par.

I would listen to the parent and accept any advice she had to give (or at least pretend to be interested). I would tell the parent that I would try her approach to teaching, granted if she gave me some good advice. I would also invite her to come to class and watch me teach lessons or record it for her. I would really do a different teaching approach to get the parent off my back. I would also understand that the parent is not trying to be offensive or obtrusive and accept her two cents as constructive criticism (or at least pretend to when I saw her).

I would not follow this solution. The parents need to know that you hear them but changing the way you teach in order to satisfiy her or to use your words "get her off your back" is just not professional.

I agree that you need to respectfully discuss with the parents why you teach the way you do and that you are always looking out for the best interest of every student in the class.

Solution #3
As a teacher I would inform the parent that I would take their opinion into consideration but I will overall present the information how I feel would best benefit the students.
Solution #4
Even if you don't agree with the parent it is always important to remain professional. Be polite and explain to the parent that the curriculum is mandated by the state and that you cannot change it. If teaching strategies are the issue then perhaps try explaining how the methods you use are effective for teaching students and even offer to present them with studies proving that your methods are valid. If they have a viable improvement then do not be too proud to admit that your lesson plan can be improved upon.