Now that I am an '"excessed" teacher, I can only reflect on these topics, how I have handled them in the past, and how I need to use this knowledge to look forward. My principal has said over and over how he wants everybody back. He has done some gambling with school funds to keep specialists in place at least in .5 FTE positions. It is still very nerve-racking for all, as nothing will be finalized until the third Friday of the school year. While I understand his thinking and his strategy, it is still demoralizing that I am the one specialist excessed in the end. It leaves a door open for me, albeit a scary one. Few things in life have rattled me like this one has.
So from a fresh perspective, here are my lessons learned on school climate and morale:
10. School climate is a major factor in the success of all - teachers, students, support staff, and administration. That being said, in the future I will remember that actions speak louder than words. How one interacts with others will go much further than the 2 second compliment that is too soon forgotten.
9. Hidden agendas are a dangerous thing... try to avoid them. Looking back on my 10 year career at Burdick, I can see all of the agendas. Anyone playing politics among the staff is not in the profession for the true reasons. It is too bad that hind-sight is 20/20, but fore-sight is not.
8. Working hard and being accountable will not guarantee anything. Sometimes you have to play politics, too, no matter how many times you are told your skills are valuable to the school.
7. Always have a great friends and goals to keep spirits up - a job is not the only thing in the world. This may, at times, be your only source of positive support.
6. Exercise and eat the right foods - this adds to the positive support.
5. Laugh with your students, they will give you their trust.
4. Have high standards for your students, they will respect you. Know that it may take a while for them to realize this.
3. Do all of your copy work after the office closes - you will avoid lots of negative energy.
2. Take a fun field trip once a year.
And the #1 thing I learned about school climate:
As your students graduate and go on to bigger and better projects, the new ones bring new perspectives.
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Well done. It is amazing that you are staying focused and positive in this class while you are dealing with potentially life changing career happenings. Hang in there and stay positive. The wait is nerve racking, hopefully if a door is closed a window is opened.
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