Latest / New Teacher Talk / Ep 148: Building Strong Professional Relationships

Transcript

Ep 148: Building Strong Professional Relationships · New Teacher Talk

Welcome back to New Teacher Talk.
I'm Dr.
Beth.
And I'm Dr.
Anna,
today we're diving into something that can make or break
your first year of teaching,
building strong professional relationships with your
colleagues.
You know, Anna, when I started teaching,
I was so focused on my classroom and my students that I
almost forgot about the incredible support network right in
my own building.
Same here.
I quickly learned that teaching isn't a solo act.
The relationships you build with your colleagues from your
grade level team to the custodial staff can transform your
entire teaching experience.
You know, Anna, let's start with the immediate team.
Whether it's your grade level colleagues or your department
members,
these are the people who truly understand what you're going
through day to day.
Absolutely.
Here's my advice for new teachers joining a team.
First, be genuinely curious about how things work.
Ask questions like,
how do you typically plan units together?
Or what traditions does our team have?
Don't come in trying to customize or revolutionize
everything on day one, even though you have great ideas.
I remember being eager to share all my new ideas from
teacher prep,
but I quickly learned it was just better to observe first,
contribute thoughtfully,
and build trust before suggesting changes.
And speaking of trust, consistency is huge.
If you commit to bringing materials to share or taking on a
task for the team, follow through.
Your reliability will speak volumes.
All eyes are on you.
Now, let's talk about professional learning communities,
or PLCs.
These collaborative groups can be intimidating for new
teachers, but they are goldmines for professional growth.
In PLCs,
never be afraid to admit when you don't know something.
I used to think I had to have all the answers,
but my colleagues respected me more when I said,
I'm struggling with this concept.
How do you approach it?
And here's something I wish someone had told me.
Volunteer to be on one committee.
I know, I know you're already overwhelmed new teachers,
but serving on a committee is one of the fastest ways to
meet people across different departments and grade levels.
Start small, though.
Maybe the social committee or a curriculum review team.
You'll gain insights into how your school operates and
build relationships beyond your immediate team.
Now,
let's shift gears and talk about the unsung heroes of every
school, the support staff.
Anna,
I think this is where many new teachers miss out on incredible
partnerships.
Oh, absolutely, Beth.
Your school secretaries are like the nerve center of the
building.
They know everything from which copy machine actually work
to how to navigate district policies.
Building a relationship with them is invaluable.
You know, I also learned to greet the office staff warmly,
respect their time, and never,
never assume they can drop everything from my urgent
request.
A simple thank you,
like a sticky note after they help you goes a long way.
And cafeteria personnel.
They see your students in a completely different
environment.
They often have insights about student behavior and family
situations that can really help you understand your kids
better.
Plus,
when you have a positive relationship with cafeteria staff,
they might let you know if one of your students seems upset
during lunch or needs extra support.
They're pretty observant.
And don't forget about classroom aides and peer
professionals either.
If you're lucky enough to have support staff in your
classroom, treat them as partners, not assistants.
They often have years of experience and deep knowledge
about students with special needs.
Communication is key there.
Have regular check-ins,
ask for their input on student strategies,
and make sure they feel valued as part of your classroom
team.
And custodians!
Oh yes.!
These folks literally keep our schools running.
I made it a point to learn our head custodians name and
coffee/ soda preferences.
When I needed help moving desks or had a classroom
emergency, that relationship was a lifesaver.
Plus,
custodians often work in the building long before we get
there in the morning or after we've gone home.
They see things and know things.
So treating them with respect and kindness isn't just the
right thing to do, it's also smart.
So what are some practical ways new teachers can build
these relationships?
Make the effort to learn names.
It sounds simple,
but using someone's name when you greet them makes a huge
difference.
Participate in school events when you can.
Show up to the faculty potluck.
Attend the school play.
Cheer at the basketball game.
These informal interactions build relationships in ways
that staff meetings never can.
Be helpful wherever you're able to.
If a colleague is struggling with technology and you're
tech savvy, offer to help.
If someone's making copies and you're headed to the copy
room anyway, ask if they need anything.
And here's something that might sound old fashioned,
but it works.
Write thank you notes, or write something on a sticky note,
especially when somebody helps you or goes above and beyond
a handwritten note means more than you might think.
Remember, building relationships is a marathon,
not a sprint.
Don't expect to be best friends with everyone immediately.
Focus on being consistently kind, professional, and helpful.
And, be patient with yourself.
Some personalities will click right away,
others might take time.
That's normal in any workplace.
And one last bit of advice, find your people.
Every school has different dynamics and informal groups.
Look for colleagues who share your values about teaching
and student relationships.
These will become your core support system.
And, you know,
that's whether it's the teacher who always has the
chocolate in their desk drawer or the veteran teacher who
gives the best classroom management advice.
These relationships will sustain you through those tough
days.
And remember, as a new teacher,
you bring fresh energy and perspectives that your
colleagues value, too.
Don't estimate what you have to offer these relationships.
So true.
New teachers,
you're not just building relationships to get help.
You're contributing to your school community in meaningful
ways.
Before we wrap up,
remember that professional relationships take time to
develop.
Be authentic, be consistent, and be kind.
The investment you make in these relationships during your
first year will pay dividends throughout your career.
So get out there and introduce yourself to someone new
today.
You've got this!
That's a wrap on another episode of New Teacher Talk.
If today's conversation sparked some ideas or made you feel
a little less alone in your teaching journey,
we'd love to have you stick around.
Hit that follow button wherever you're listening so you
never miss an episode.
Trust us, your future teacher self will thank you.
And hey, the conversation doesn't have to end here.
Come find us on Instagram and Blue Sky @NewTeacherTalk.
We're sharing quick tips, celebrating your wins,
and building a community of educators who get it.
Because teaching is tough,
but you don't have to do it alone.
Remember, every expert was once a beginner.
Keep learning, keep growing, and keep connecting!