Case
Approached while out

You are out at a store and a parent come up to you and starts trying to discuss students grades and class behavior. What should I do?

Solution #1
Top Solution
In this situation, I think you politely tell the parent that you'd be happy to discuss their child's grades and behavior at a more appropriate, mutually agreed upon time. You can indicate that you need to gather materials and examples to have a meaningful conversation. You can tell the parent that you will reach out (via phone, email, or whatever communication has been decided) and give them multiple date/time options for the meeting. Be sure to follow up withe the parent timely to get the meeting scheduled.

This is a wonderful suggestion to take if something like this occurs.

I love your suggestion and will most likely use it if I’m in this situation!

I love how you noted that the teacher and parent can mutually find a time to set up a meeting. This is very respectful of the parent.

This is a great and appropriate way to handle the problem without upsetting the parent.

Solution #2
For this type of situation, I would schedule a meeting before or after classes to discuss with the parent their concerns. Off the clock work is discouraged
Solution #3
I would carefully explain to the parent that it's better to have these conversations in private meeting without distractions. I would ask the parent to email me and set up a time or set up a time in the moment if you're able to.
Solution #4
If the conversation is entirely appropriate and you have time to talk to the parent then I don't see a problem. I would however, advise that you tell the parent to email you or set up an appointment at the school.
Solution #5
Respectfully ask them to set up a conference if they would like to talk about their child and their grades. The grocery store or public places is not the appropraite place for this.
Solution #6
I would tell the parent that I would be happy to set up a conference to discuss about their child or they are always welcome to email me to discuss further.
Solution #7
If I were in this situation, I would kindly tell the parent that right now is not the moment to discuss those things as you are out during your personal time. I would tell them if they would like to email me with their concerns I would get right back to them right away during the appropriate time.

I love this. Establishing boundaries with parents in a respectful manner is key to having a work-life balance.

Solution #8
I would tell the parent that I am sorry but i am currently not at work but i would be happy to discuss any questions over an email or meeting that we can set at a later date
Solution #9
I think the best solution is to tell the parent that you are more than welcome to discuss students grades and class behavior, but in the classroom. Check to see what time would work best for them to set a parent conference in the classroom where you will be able to have all your information in front of you to have this discussion.
Solution #10
I think you should first say hello and be polite, then remind them that you are off duty and this could be discussed at a more appropriate time. Talking about setting up a meeting.
Solution #11
I think in this situation it is best to be friendly and let the parent know in a kind manner that she can happily set up a meeting and discuss student grades and behavior at a more appropriate place and time.
Solution #12
I would say, I absolutely love every single one of my students, and tell them that you hope to talk in a more professional setting sometime soon. And tell them to email you when they would like to come into your place of WORK to discuss further.
Solution #13
I think you should respectfully reply "I would be happy to discuss your child's academic life between the hours of 7am and 4pm, Monday through Friday". I think that response is more than fair.
Solution #14
I would kindly tell them that this is my personal time, and that I would love to set up a time with them after school to talk. This is an inappropriate thing to do and I would remind them of that in a nice way.