Working Collaboratively- Why?
Teaching is all about team work and it is important that
all staff work collaboratively with each other! Actually Amy, it is not only
important, it is mandatory requirement of the DEC that staff work collaboratively together.
Every teacher at Park Hill has agreed to the Code of Conduct of the DEC which
states that it expects all employees to be courteous and responsive in dealing
with colleagues and that it's employees work collaboratively with all
colleagues. If you do not feel like your colleagues are doing those two things
you have every right to bring it to the attention of your principal as it is
not fair for you to be treated in any other manner then described above.
(DEC, 2011)
It is important that you find a way to work collaboratively with the staff at Park Hill as many of the things you will do on a daily basis will involve teamwork, things such as:
(DEC, 2011)
It is important that you find a way to work collaboratively with the staff at Park Hill as many of the things you will do on a daily basis will involve teamwork, things such as:
A school can not function and perform to the best of it's ability without staff working collaboratively. You are only as strong as your weakest link and without support that link can never grow stronger!
Here is a copy of the Code of Conduct Amy which all employees of the DEC must follow and the steps to take if someone is not following this code.
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Working Collaboratively-How
Below I have listed a few key components of team work and collaboration within a school. It is important that you keep trying to be the best team member you can be, this is not always the easiest option but it is the best option.
- Get to know your colleagues, introduce yourself and take the time to talk to each colleague individually
- Support the efforts of other colleagues
- Involve yourself in the programs and committees running at Park Hill
- Keep your commitments
- Be willing to take on leadership roles
- Treat others as you would like to be treated;
- If problems occur, enure you take the appriopriate steps to fix this as quickly as possible
- Respect and value diversity; each person brings something different to the school; each different idea provides an opportunity for learning and growth.
Dealing with support teachers
Amy you have mentioned you are having trouble working with Dales support teacher, it is important this issue is resolved as soon as possible to ensure Dale gets the support he needs and deserves. The first step we would suggest, is to schedule a meeting with the support teacher to discuss your issues and also allow her to bring up any issues she may be having. It is important you are able to enter into a professional conversation about issues arising in the classroom.
A support staff can take on multiple roles within the classroom but the number one priority should be to the student she/he is assigned to and in your case that is Dale. However, all support staff, when in your classroom Amy, operate under the supervision and direction of you as stated by the DEC.
A support staff can take on multiple roles within the classroom but the number one priority should be to the student she/he is assigned to and in your case that is Dale. However, all support staff, when in your classroom Amy, operate under the supervision and direction of you as stated by the DEC.
School learning support officers, under the supervision and direction of a teacher, assist in classroom activities, school routines, and the care and management of students with special needs’ (DEC 2012)
So don’t be scared to ask and suggest activities for your support staff to undertake with Dale. It is important however that both you and your support staff are working towards a common goal which should be dictated by Dales needs.
Here is a list of the general roles support teachers take on in partnership with you:
Here is a list of the general roles support teachers take on in partnership with you:
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If issues continue to arise after your meeting with Dale's support teacher, then talk to your supervisor, mentor or principal because it is vital that you are working together collaboratively and that you both feel comfortable within the classroom.
Support staff roles are very important in combining with the work of the teachers to ensure all students are provided with the greatest possible opportunity to reach their full potential. (DEC 2012)
Working With a Supervisor
So your supervisor hasn't asked your name, as much as that hurts Amy, there is something you can do about this……. introduce yourself! Go to your supervisors classroom after school and introduce yourself, telling her a little bit about yourself ensuring she knows your name, that you are a new member of staff and that you are looking for any support and guidance she has to offer. Take the time to get to know her and for her to get to know you.
Normally your supervisor is an experienced teacher who has been at the school for a few years and has a good understanding of how the school runs as well as the students who attend Park Hill. If she makes suggestions such as not using table groups, ask why? Normally there is a good reason behind these suggestions and the reasons can help you. Give her suggestions a go. Find out her expectations of you and express your expectations of her, remember this is a partnership and your voice should not be lost.
It is important you feel comfortable with your supervisor and if, after trying to introduce yourself and getting to know her, you still feel disconnected speak to your principal. Remember you have a right to be treated fairly and if this is not happening it is important you report this to your principal.
Normally your supervisor is an experienced teacher who has been at the school for a few years and has a good understanding of how the school runs as well as the students who attend Park Hill. If she makes suggestions such as not using table groups, ask why? Normally there is a good reason behind these suggestions and the reasons can help you. Give her suggestions a go. Find out her expectations of you and express your expectations of her, remember this is a partnership and your voice should not be lost.
It is important you feel comfortable with your supervisor and if, after trying to introduce yourself and getting to know her, you still feel disconnected speak to your principal. Remember you have a right to be treated fairly and if this is not happening it is important you report this to your principal.
Mentors for new teachers
Many new teachers find the first few years of teaching a very lonely and difficult time with few people coming to the aid of the new teacher……that was written in 1999 (Rowley 1999). Since then the Department has implemented mentoring programs for new teachers entering the classroom, in the hope new teachers will not have to feel the same way as in 1999.
However, we can tell that you are feeling lonely and facing all your difficulties alone. I cannot stress to you enough the importance of finding a mentor within your school; this does not have to be your supervisor but someone on staff you feel a connection to. Everyone needs someone to talk to, to ask questions of and be inspired by not just as graduate teachers. Do not be scared to ask for help, request a meeting with your principal and tell him/her your feelings and ask for support and mentoring. Your principal will be able to arrange a mentoring program with you and another staff member, there are department documents which outline the process of this program which the principal can easily implement.
No one wants to feel alone in any work place and especially not in a school where team work is vital, do not be scared to show that you need help. Without asking you may not receive.
Below is an article written after the report of teachers feeling alone in 1999, expressing what it means to be a good mentor, this might help you find the best mentor for you.
However, we can tell that you are feeling lonely and facing all your difficulties alone. I cannot stress to you enough the importance of finding a mentor within your school; this does not have to be your supervisor but someone on staff you feel a connection to. Everyone needs someone to talk to, to ask questions of and be inspired by not just as graduate teachers. Do not be scared to ask for help, request a meeting with your principal and tell him/her your feelings and ask for support and mentoring. Your principal will be able to arrange a mentoring program with you and another staff member, there are department documents which outline the process of this program which the principal can easily implement.
No one wants to feel alone in any work place and especially not in a school where team work is vital, do not be scared to show that you need help. Without asking you may not receive.
Below is an article written after the report of teachers feeling alone in 1999, expressing what it means to be a good mentor, this might help you find the best mentor for you.
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Also Amy here is the link to the website all about the mentoring program run by the DET, you might like to show this webpage to your principal or mentor.