support staff are people too

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support staff are people too
By Debbie

Every school has a different make up of staff....teachers as well as support staff. Sometimes the dynamics of these people work well, sometimes the dynamics don't work. It is to our benefit,as well as those of the students,
to try to get along. I don't see the teacher and support staffs as being heirarchal relationships at all. It sounds like you are implying that a teacher is above a custodian or secretary. The bottom line is that it takes all of these roles to make a school run successfully. If you have a problem with a fellow staff member, you should try to talk it out with that person first, then

if that doesn't work, discuss the issue with the principal. I would not advise being petty however, because you still have to work with these people...the same people you will ask favors of. You seem concerned that you have no authority or respect to carry out your duties...What about the custodian? Doesn't that person deserve respect when it comes to carrying out his or her duties? The only time I have a custodian come back to my room later is when I am conferencing with a parent. Any of my prep work can wait for 15 minutes or so while my room is being cleaned if it is bothering me. Or I can use that time for copying, taking a break, collaborating with a fellow teacher, calling parents from the office, etc. Maybe you can even take your work into the lounge where it may be quieter. Respect is a two way street. Be thankful you didn't teach 150 years ago...all those custodial jobs would be your responsibility too!