At my school, we make sure that there are always at least two teachers who are in the meeting. We never meet with parents one on one for this reason. If we know ahead of time that the parent is hostile or intimidating we will invite our school councilor or an assistant principle to the meeting. This usually helps!

I agree with the above solutions, but I also have a solution for your nerves. I have been through many conferences, and the ones that go the best are the ones where I have come in prepared with some notes. If the issue is grade related, I come in with a grade printout and possibly a sample of the student's work to illustrate what I have seen in the classroom. If it is behavior related, I bring notes concerning what I have observed. I also encourage you to take a deep breathe and remember that you are a professional. Never go in on the attack, but be respectful to the student/parents even if they are hostile. Eventually you will get used to these meetings.

We meet as a "team" when we have a parent conference. One thing I have found helpful is to has a "non-school" conversation while I escort the parent to the classroom. This allows me to gauge the parents actions. This also helps calm me down if I have any worries about the parent! Try talking about stuff outside of school.

Ask your another teacher to be with you in meetings. We have our Academic Coach or the VP or Principal to come if possible to meetings. I would bet the parents are as frightened by you also. They don't like coming to school. It isn't a silly fear you will feel more comfortable with each year in education.

I don't think your fear is silly by any means. There are many instances where teachers must handle intimidating, disrespectful parents and these encounters can be nerve-wracking. We must maintain our composure as best we can and this is a lot of pressure on us! One way that might help you feel more confident and less scared for these meetings would be to try to understand why these parents are using intimidating (body) language. Parents can be defensive of their children, especially if the child is having a harder time in school. Many parents are under the impression that they know what is best for their child and don't take kindly to advice or recommendations. Keep in mind that these conferences are for the benefit of the student as well, even if they aren't physically present. That could help motivate you during these interactions, thinking "I am having this meeting to help this student and I will try my best to work with their parents and come to an agreement/understanding".