Communication between teachers and administration is vital. Being able to communicate respectfully AND get things accomplished (on both sides of the aisle) can be a tricky task. Keep communication with your administrator professional and effective using these six tips:
Prioritize
Try to avoid contacting your administrator for every little problem. They are not your personal problem-solver. Prioritize your issues. My rule-of-thumb when deciding if I should contact my administrator: if something affects my ability to teach my students or to provide a safe environment for my students and myself. You are more likely to be taken seriously if you only go to your administrator when you are truly in need.
Be Specific, Polite, and Succinct
If you must address a concern with an administrator, keep a few things in mind so you don’t waste anyone’s time: address a single problem specifically, use respectful language, and get to your point quickly. When writing to someone about a problem, I use a paragraph model I learned from my local NEA union representative: 1) what the current situation looks like, 2) why it’s a problem, 3) what the situation SHOULD look like. Don’t try to propose a solution. Instead, offer to meet in person to help solve the problem. Always keep documentation of your communications.
Stay Focused On The Goal
Getting caught up in petty, nasty, behind-your-back talk can be devastating to your reputation. Complaining will only hurt you, and your chances of getting your problem solved. Keep your end goal in mind at all times and do what you can to help achieve it.
Don’t Forget To Listen
When your administrator responds to you, make sure you listen. Take notes if you must. If the response is in writing, read it, and reread it to make sure you understand what is being communicated. If you have questions, ask! You don’t want to miss any vital information.
Keep In Mind Why You Are There
If you don’t get the results you were hoping for, remind yourself why you’re a teacher in the first place. We teach because we love the students. Love the students, and continue to press on.
Join Your Local Education Association
Your local NEA chapter can help you in many ways, and communicating an issue with administration is one of their many specialties. Take advantage of the assistance and advice your local representative can provide by joining your National Education Association. My local has helped me become more knowledgeable and confident.
Our Education Blogger is a public school teacher with over a decade of experience. She’s an active NEA member and enjoys writing about her experiences in the classroom.
Thinking about getting a pet for your classroom? You might be surprised how beneficial having a classroom pet can be! But before you run out to buy the perfect classroom pet, there a few things to think about.
Why Should I Have A Classroom Pet?
There are many benefits to having a classroom pet! According to Pets in the Classroom, pets provide learning opportunities, enrich the classroom experience, improve attendance, teach responsibility, aid in immune system performance, boost student morale, encourage nurturing behavior, build self-esteem, and strengthen social skills. Learn more at petsintheclassroom.org.
Do Your Research
Find out what kind of care the animal requires, what type of enclosure is preferred, feeding requirements, and other needs. Have the animal examined at your local veterinarian office (many vets will conduct an exam on classroom pets free of charge, just call to ask!). Also, research any diseases the animal may transfer to humans.
Keep Parents Informed
Be sure the parents of students in your classroom are aware you have a classroom pet. Some students may have pet allergies and must be seated away from the pet enclosure. It may also be wise to send home literature detailing the benefits of having a pet in the classroom.
Have A Plan For When School Isn’t In Session
Make plans for weekends, holiday breaks, and summer break. Where will the pet go? Who will care for it? Will students take turns taking it home on weekends? What items will need to be sent home with students? You might consider using an online sign-up system like SignUp.com to make these arrangements. It is also a good idea to send home care instructions with students who are taking the animal home.
Here are some of the best classroom pets, according to PetMD.com:
Bearded Dragon – gentle, can be held occasionally
Guinea Pigs – minimal care, easily handled, social
Rabbits – affectionate, social, some can be skittish and become defensive
Rats – affectionate, intelligent, minimal care
Fish – visually intriguing, stress and anxiety reliever
You Can Apply For A Grant That Will Help Fund Your Classroom Pet
Petsintheclassroom.org is an educational grant program that provides financial support to teachers to purchase and maintain small animals in the classroom. The program was established by the Pet Care Trust to provide children with an opportunity to interact with pets—an experience that can help to shape their lives for years to come. (Pre-K through 9th grade)
**Please remember, just like a family pet, an animal is a lifelong commitment. Consider adopting rather than purchasing an animal from a pet store. As the primary classroom educator, you are considered the animal’s guardian and caregiver and are responsible for the well-being of the animal, even when you are not in the animal’s presence.
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Kelly is an NEA member and teaches highs school theater and drama. She strives every day to encourage her students to work hard and believe in themselves. Check out how she helped one student achieve his dream of a dance career.
Firefighters say that house fires increase in the winter months. Most the fire starters include food left on the stove, candles left near flammable items like decorations or curtains, or space heaters left unattended and close to flammable objects.
As firefighters respond to calls during cold weather conditions, it’s not just about fire and smoke in the structure, but staying attuned to what is happening as a result of snow, ice, freezing rain or wind. Maintaining situational awareness is essential.
• Pay attention to your surroundings at the scene, including your crew and the building structure. • Proper ladder placement can be critical. With harsh weather conditions, be extra diligent.
The weather can also affect the drivers during the winter. 24% of vehicle crashes occur during rain, sleet, snow or fog, and slick pavement.
Keep this in mind when responding to accidents. The same conditions the accident occurred, weather-related, will also pertain to your experience. It’s essential to arrive at a scene quickly, but not worth risking your safety too.
Uneasiness increases when drivers hear sirens or see lights behind them. Their reactions are mostly stopping short in front of you or skidding into oncoming traffic, which may turn into another incident.
• Drive appropriately for the weather conditions. • Remember that driving defensively doesn’t mean aggressively • Always wear your seat belt.
Importantly, stay alert, drive smart, be safe and stay warm.
Our Education Blogger is a public school teacher with over a decade of experience. She’s an active NEA member and enjoys writing about her experiences in the classroom.
Teachers are some of the sickest people I know. And I don’t mean the modern slang definition of “sick” as in “super cool” (although teachers are really cool). Because of the nature of our jobs, we are prone to illness, both physically and mentally.
When we have a physical illness, like bronchitis or the stomach flu, we take sick days to recover. Mental health issues are no different. If we don’t take time to address our mental well-being, work performance suffers, and the unaddressed illness can worsen. Treat your mental well-being as you would your physical health.
When Should I Take A Mental Health Day?
According to Amy Morin, a psychotherapist and author of “How to Know When to Take a Mental Health Day” (Psychology Today, July 2017), there are a few instances when you should seriously consider taking a mental day:
When you’re distracted by something you need to address
When you’ve been neglecting yourself
When you need to attend appointments to care for your mental health
What Do I Say To My Administrator?
Simple: “I don’t feel well enough to come to school.” No need to lie or make up an excuse. Just be honest.
What Do I Do On My Day Off?
Don’t sleep all day or spend hours watching TV, these can exacerbate any mental issues that may be going on. Instead, connect with friends or family, go for a walk, read a book, or take a short nap. If needed, take care of any pressing financial matters or accomplish important tasks you’ve been putting off.
Are Mental Health Days Considered Personal or Sick Time?
It depends on your employer. Ideally, mental health should be considered a health issue, just as a physical illness. However, many employers still don’t see it that way. Ask your administrator what your district or building policy is regarding taking mental health days as part of your sick leave. If you can’t take a sick day, consider taking personal time.
I am lucky to have an administrator who is empathetic and allows, and even encourages, teachers to use sick time to take mental health days. He understands his teachers need to be in their best health in order to do their best job.
Taking a day off for you mental well-being is essential to your overall health. So, allow yourself to take a day to recharge and regroup.
