Education Week - February 18, 2015 - Special Report - (Page 8)

PERSPECTIVE Keep an Open Door, And Other Ways To Build In-School Relationships By Paul Barnwell S ometimes it feels like there's too much on our plates as teachers to take a few moments to chat with a colleague in the copy room. Shirking email and other administrative duties in order to share lunch with co-workers? I wish! Helping a colleague with class coverage when there is so much to do? If only! Yet if we don't deliberately forge personal connections and strengthen relationships within our school buildings, then we are handicapping our efforts to reach, mentor, and educate all students. The level of collaboration demanded by modern teaching is unprecedented-not to mention pretty daunting when it comes to accountability in a data-driven environment. The bottom line is this: Sustainable, effective collaboration is unlikely to occur without strong personal connections between teachers, staff members, and administrators. Here are some simple ways to improve your approach to building relationships in your school: 1. Give Without Strings Attached Earlier this year, a colleague of mine was fighting a nasty cold. Over the course of a couple weeks, she asked me twice to cover her fifth period class. Not a problem. 2. Talk, Don't Email Writing an email instead of making a phone call or seeking a quick interaction in the hallway can seem I'm not holding this favor as currency, waiting for an opportunity for her to "pay" me back. In our personal and professional lives, dealing with people who always expect something in return isn't a way to build sustainable or authentic relationships. That's not to say that I won't ever ask for favors in return; it's just not at the forefront of my approach when helping others out. like an easier form of workplace communication. But remember: The more email you send, the more messages you must check and reply to. The more time you spend in front of a screen, the less time you have to say hello, ask questions, and build relationships. As a general rule of thumb, I try to establish relationships in person, or at least over the phone, before I start sending emails or texts. If I have a question for a coworker, I usually take the time to call or make a visit in person. This significantly increases the chances for positive interactions with those colleagues in the future. NOW MOBILE-FRIENDLY Stay on top of the most timely news from the most informed source in education. Join the thousands of readers who have signed up to receive one of Education Week's topical e-newsletters. TOPICS INCLUDE n n Technology n Curriculum n The Common Core n The K-12 marketplace n The education job market The teaching profession SIGN UP NOW. www.edweek.org/go/newsletters 8 Education WEEk 2015 CALENDAR OF EVENTS & PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT DIRECTORY www.edweek.org/go/calendar iStockphoto http://www.edweek.org/go/newsletters http://www.edweek.org/go/newsletters http://www.edweek.org/go/calendar

Education Week - February 18, 2015 - Special Report

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Education Week - February 18, 2015 - Special Report