08
January
January
I haven’t blogged for quite a while and for good reason. Due to budget cuts, my teaching position was changed and I now find myself teaching at 2 new schools. One new school would have been a stretch but having 2 new ones and 600 students to learn, 6 grade levels to teach and 2 separate staff names to learn and 2 classrooms to set up has been a bit overwhelming, to say the least. Now that I am starting to get my feet on the ground a bit, I hope to find time to blog again, now and then.
It is a little bit like moving to a new country. You might move there being able to speak the language enough to get around but that doesn’t make you a native. There are different customs, traditions, taboos, and celebrations to learn. You will most undoubtedly stick out for a while as the foreigner. Depending on the hospitality and friendliness of those around you, it may take a long time or a short time to feel comfortable and as though you are starting to fit in.
My advice from this experience: If you are a staff member; go out of your way to put the welcome mat out….not just in the beginning but until the a new member at your school begins to fit in. Check in with them to see if they need clarification on things, or explanation on things. Don’t assume that just because they “know the language” (know how to teach their subject area) they they know how YOUR school does things. Be open to change. Maybe the customary way the previous teacher did things was fine but it doesn’t mean that is the only way to do things. Maybe the new person has some fresh suggestions for your staff, climate and routines. If you are an administrator, evaluate how you integrate a new member on your staff. Think of ways to include them beyond introducing them at a staff meeting and placing them on the duty schedule.
Modeling how to be a good ambassador for our students can begin with ourselves.
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