Dean of parents
/diːn əv ˈpɛrənts/
B2
Definition
The phrase "dean of parents" refers to a parent who is seen as a leader or a respected figure within a group of parents. This person often helps others by giving advice or setting a good example because they have more experience or knowledge.
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⚡ See It in Action
A respected parent leader in a school or community
- •She is known as the dean of parents because she organizes all the school events.
- •The dean of parents gave advice to new families about school rules.
- •At the meeting, the dean of parents spoke first to welcome everyone.
An informal title for an experienced or senior parent among a group
- •As the dean of parents, he has seen many school years and knows how things work.
- •The dean of parents helped settle a disagreement between families.
🧲 Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "dean of parents" like "leader," but specifically for parents in a school or community group.
- ✓Picture a wise, older parent who other parents look up to during meetings or events.
- ✓It's the feeling of trust and respect you have for someone who knows a lot about parenting or school matters.
- ✓Sounds like "dean" (a school boss) + "parents" → imagine a school boss who is also a parent, guiding other parents.
- ✓Imagine a story where a parent helps organize events and supports others, becoming the group's main helper.
- ✓NOT like a teacher or principal (who leads students or staff), the "dean of parents" leads or supports the parents themselves.
- ✓NOT like a new or quiet parent, but someone active and known by many parents.
🔄 Try Other Words
- •Parent leader: a parent who guides or helps other parents (Use when you want a simpler, clearer phrase)
- •Head parent: the main parent who organizes or leads (Use in informal contexts)
- •Parent representative: a parent chosen to speak for others (Use in formal school or group settings)
🔍 Unboxing
- •"Dean": a word for a person in charge or a leader in a school or group
- •"of": shows connection or belonging
- •"parents": people who have children
- •The phrase combines to mean a parent who acts like a leader or guide among parents
- •"Dean" comes from Latin "decanus," meaning leader of ten people, later used in schools for leaders
- •Used in schools or communities to show respect for an experienced parent
💭 Reflect & Connect
•What qualities do you think a "dean of parents" should have to be respected by others?
•How can a "dean of parents" help make a school or community better for children and families?
Fill in the blanks with the correct word:
1.The dean of parents usually ___ advice to new families during school meetings.
2.When parents have questions, they often ___ to the dean of parents for help.
3.Unlike a teacher or principal, the dean of parents represents the ___ in school discussions.
4.The dean of parents is someone who has ___ experience and knows many families well.
5.At the event, the dean of parents ___ the other parents by welcoming them warmly.
6.The dean of parents often works to ___ good communication between the school and families.
7.If a parent is quiet and new, they are less likely to be called the dean of parents because they ___ much involvement yet.