Building a Partnership with School Administration

Introduction

I’m excited to introduce this week’s guest blogger – Braelan from That Special Educator to talk all about ways to partner with school administration!

Special Education teachers know a lot about teamwork. Teamwork makes our academics, classroom management, and case management easier. When thinking about the “team” it’s easy to include; teachers, parents, students, service providers, and specialists. Oftentimes school administration is a forgotten member of the special education team. 

Before we begin it is important to acknowledge that sometimes school administration can be a hindrance or stumbling block in the special education process. Many teachers struggle with their principals, assistant principals, and directors. If this is your experience just know that you are not alone. 

Why Are They Important

School administration can make or break a special education team. They often control the resources, the rules of the school, and the staffing. The focus for everything that we do should center around the students. Their quality of education, health, progress, and family support is the MOST important. 

Principals and Assistant Principals: They play an important role in the school community. They set the tone for the school culture, staff culture, organization, and budget.  They can also control the special education staffing and caseload allocation. Many school initiatives related to inclusion, special education research based methods, and curriculum updates are based on the decisions made by these school administration. 

As teachers we need them to do their jobs effectively. When they are not aware of our needs, then we will not get what we need.

Tips of Working With Administration

• Ask for help: If you are unfamiliar with a procedure within the school ask for help. 
• Questions: Confused about something? Ask them. Set up a meeting with them with a written agenda.  Ask for their advice or challenging circumstances. Show that you value their thoughts and judgement. 
• Get to know the School Administration: Know their names, say hello in the hallways, and be willing to support the school with simple jobs and committees. 
• Invite them into your classroom: It seems unnatural to have people “observe” you. Oftentimes principals and admin only come into the classroom once or twice a year. Invite them in for a cool lesson. Allow them to meet your students and build connections with them.

• Pay attention to the culture of the school: Special Education teachers, observe and pay close attention to the culture of the school. Who is working together? Who does the administration like? What qualities does my admin find more important?

What If My School Administration Is Hard To Work With?

This is a common challenge. There are many small things that can be done to help support your journey as a teacher. These tips are just the beginning. For many people challenging administration is a catalyst for a change in school or district. If you relate to that situation, just know that you are not alone and that you have done all that you can to make it work. For many (including me) a school change was just what I needed to feel supported in my position. 

• Make sure to meet all of your deadlines:  The school administration may be challenging to work with, but doing your job to the best of your abilities will relieve your own conscience. You can be proud of all of your work. 
• Find an informal mentor to support you day to day: Sometimes teachers can feel unsupported when they are in a hard environment. Fine one mentor or ally that you feel safe with. 
• Create hard lined boundaries for your work and your life: Oftentimes challenging administration can take a toll on a teacher (It has taken a toll on me in the past!) When this happens, creating boundaries can help. The negative thoughts and emotions surrounding your job can carry over into your home life. Please do not let it. Examples include: leaving work at work, journaling, or confiding in a friend. 
• Seek support from higher up if necessary: Whether this is your union rep, a principal, an HR person in the head office, anyone who is able to support you and help you resolve the conflict. 
• Focus on the students and the amazing opportunity that you have: You get to educate some of the best students in the world. It is an honor and a privilege. 

Conclusion

Being a teacher is not easy. I often wish that I would have learned how to interact and support adults instead of kids in college. Working with adults and collaborating with school administration is a huge part of our jobs. When collaborating and working with principals, directors, and facilitators we have to keep our students and their needs in mind. 

Want to know more about building partnerships read more about building parent collaboration in your classroom!

Looking to get administration on your side while building a classroom business, read this post!