I'm calling all parents to the carpet on this one! Parental involvement is a huge factor in the equation of your child's quality of education. Our education system and educators generally make the assumption that you do not care when you don't show up. I know that you had to work late, you're in school or doing it all alone, but the thread of your personal excuse doesn't matter. When you don't show up to the parent-teacher conference the teacher simply thinks you're child's education isn't a priority to you, and if it's not a priority to you it becomes less important to the person who is the number one factor in the education of your student, their teacher. So, you need to find the time and be present so that your student is supported, thought of, and set up to win.