I’m excited to introduce this week’s guest blogger: Whitney from Rooted in Resource to talk all about maintaining positive relationships with education professionals!
Maintaining positive relationships with people in the workplace can be difficult at times. So many different personalities, backgrounds, and perspectives can all affect relationships we have with one another. However, if you know how to navigate through this, then maintaining positive relationships with one another will be much easier.
Keeping a balanced mentality is important. Do people upset us? Sure. Do some people do things intentionally to be mean? Possibly. Do they always know that what they are doing is upsetting? No.
I think shifting perspectives and seeing through a different lens, at times, can be helpful in allowing us to have some balance. There are times that we may get upset or offended, and maybe rightfully so. However, I always try and understand their perspective and where they might be coming from. I believe everyone has a story and I love getting to know people’s stories (professionally, and sometimes even personally), where they came from, how they grew up, and what makes them tick.
There are times I may be upset or hurt by someone but then I hear their story, maybe what they’re currently going through, their past experiences etc. and it gives me an understanding, provides some insight to who they are, and it helps me to better understand where they may be coming from. Doing this does not give them an out or an excuse for hurting you, it helps to balance your mindset to seeing multiple perspectives.
There’s a saying I once heard, “Hurt people, hurt people” but the rest of the saying goes, “… and it’s not okay to hurt people.” So, I ask myself, did they hurt me intentionally? Maybe, maybe not. But if they hurt me, they may be hurt as well. It provides insight. It allows me to soften my heart, not hold a grudge, and try to work through the situation.
As a teacher, being approachable to your co-workers is important, especially SPED teachers and Gen Ed teachers who work together. This is s great way to maintain positive relationships! After all, you are on the same team! Be kind, stay professional, smile, check-in on them and your students, provide support if it’s needed and remember that each day is a fresh start.
Read more about working with paraprofessionals!
As a resource teacher I want to give support and provide tips and tricks, however, I try to make sure the gen ed teacher I am talking with is open to the feedback and support. I never want to give unsolicited advice. I want to respect them as a professional as much as I want them to respect me as a professional. When giving advice or support, you want that person to receive it, but if they didn’t ask for it, they may not want it.
I make sure when I provide support I do it in a positive way and share what I do and what I have seen to work. If something NEEDS to be said to help the student, then by all means do what you need to but always remember to do it in a loving and caring manner all while keeping the student as the focal point.
At times, we must take to heart the same words and lessons we teach our own students and that’s to take responsibility. If you messed up, admit it. If you dropped the ball, just say it. Nobody likes to hear excuses, but people do respect honesty. Your vulnerability and honesty can open the door for honest communication. Be open. Be honest. Take responsibility. But also make changes where you know you need to. Be a team player and try not to let your own personal agenda affect your working relationships. Be the kind of teammate you would want to work with.
Working with a team can be hard! Let us help you!
Lastly, do it for the kids. Remember why you wanted to become a teacher. Find the good. Be the positivity in the workplace, even if you’re the only one focusing on the good. I have found that journaling helps to maintain a positive attitude. I keep a gratitude journal and focus on what I am thankful for. Instead of focusing on negatives I find the positives. It could be the smallest thing that happened, but I focus and remind myself of those moments. Those moments that just warm your heart and make you smile, write it down. Have those reminders of your why and what makes being a teacher so rewarding.
If you need support with administration, click here! It’s all about maintaining positive relationships!
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