#1: School Nurse
If you're a classroom teacher, then you know that a good relationship with the school nurse goes a long way.
Making the School Nurse Your Friend
DO send students to the nurse that seem legitimately ill, injured, contagious, and may need to go home.
DO send a note with the student to the nurse explaining what prompted you to send the student.
DON'T send students who are chronic complainers and aren't really sick.
DON'T send students that need a Bandaid or simple first aid. If the school doesn't supply you with a First Aid kit, then purchase basic supplies (and rubber gloves!) to deal with minor injuries.
Some schools don't even have full-time nurses these days, so every minute a nurse is in the school building is precious time that should be spent on students who need medical attention. Utilize the school nurse only when necessary and the nurse will come to know the serious nature of your student's health when sent.
#2: Janitor
I've always thought that janitors are a school's unsung heroes. Even in my elementary years, I can remember our school janitor fondly. As a teacher, I learned that the janitor is a jack of all trades- helping lift, move, clean and fix just about anything.
Making the Janitor Your Friend
DO require your students to clean up after themselves.
DO ask for help when lifting or moving large objects to avoid on-the-job injury.
DO plan in advance if you need the assistance of the janitor.
DO say thank you every day when you see the janitor cleaning something in your classroom.
DO treat janitors with respect and courtesy.
DON'T leave a mess just because you ran out of class time. The janitor should not be used to clean up projects. Schedule clean up time into everything you do.
#3: Copy Queen
Many schools have what I like to call a "Copy Queen." They control how well and how fast requested copies of worksheets, tests and quizzes are made. If your lesson hinges on printed materials, then being friendly to the Copy Queen is a must.
Making the Copy Queen Your Friend
DO make your copy request official by using the proper paperwork and clearly writing how many copies, sides and collating are necessary.
DO use words like "please" and "thank you" even though you're a busy teacher and in a hurry.
DO make your own copies after hours if it's allowed.
DON'T wait to go over your required lesson materials until the day of the lesson.
DON'T copy busy work- it's a waste of paper! Copy only paper materials if they are absolutely necessary and no substitute (like technology) will do.
Do you have more advice about the copy queen? Share below!
#4: PTA President
Making the PTA President Your Friend
DO find out who this important person is at your school. A powerful PTA makes things happen when you alone can not.
DO join the PTA at your school and attend PTA meetings. The "T" in PTA stands for teachers, so go offer advice on big or small issues.
DO introduce yourself and make yourself available for phone calls or emails. If you're the science teacher and a dream of the PTA is a new science lab, you'll want in on the planning, so don't miss out!
DO find a parent on the PTA that can help champion your cause if you need it. One parent that knows and supports you can go a long way.
DON'T complain. The PTA is a volunteer organization and the president gives a lot of their free time to the school.
Remember that the PTA is not responsible for a school's finances or programs. Everything they do is supplemental. If you butt heads with the PTA president, chances are the administration is going to know about it and that's a tough one to smooth over.
#5: Lunch Lady
Making the Lunch Lady Your Friend
You only have 10 minutes to scarf down lunch, take a pee break and prep for your next class, but you find yourself standing in the lunch line looking invisible while the lunch lady helps all the students. Why isn't she stopping to make your lunch??!!!
DO respect everyone that prepares and serves food at school.
DO speak politely and friendly even though you're in a rush. Don't bark immediately what you want, but ask a quick, "How are you? I'm Mrs. Blank."
DO compliment what is prepared that you do like. "Wow- those french fries are delicious!"
DON'T say, "Ah- Salisbury steak? Yuck!" while waiting in line...even if it's gross.
DON'T expect to get special treatment if the only time you see the lunch lady is when you're in a rush. Try and say "hi" when you're getting coffee, water, or happen to be passing through the cafeteria.
If you're going on a field trip that requires bagged lunch, then you'll want to ask fellow teachers way in advance how to file the proper paper work. Otherwise, your students may go hungry!
#6: School Secretary
Making the School Secretary Your Friend
The school secretary sees all and hears all. They can help you out of a bind (when you're out of paper) or hang out with a sick child while you go on a field trip....but only if they like you.
DO know the school secretary by name.
DO treat them like the knowledge expert they are. They know where the principal is at all times, what parents are involved, and when teachers arrive late.
DO be punctual and meticulous when submitting paperwork to the school secretary. It will insure that your tasks are carried out in a timely manner.
DON'T share any gossip with the school secretary unless it's about you. It'll make you seem unprofessional.
DON'T treat them as your personal secretary.
#7: Veteran Teacher
Making the Veteran Teacher Your Friend
The best way to get the lay of the land in a school is through relationships with veteran teachers. They've seen dozens of teachers - and maybe principals- come and go. They know how the school really works and that can especially help new teachers.
DO find a veteran teacher you admire in your school. It doesn't have to be someone in your field or grade. If you like their style of teaching and methods, you can learn a lot.
DO ask questions when you feel overwhelmed. Veteran teachers have been teaching for decades and they can handle just about anything.
DON'T make them feel old. Age is experience, and it should be respected even if your methods are different.
Do you have more advice? Share below!
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