Oct. 18 message

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Oct. 18 message
By Nancy

The BCTF recently put out an excellent guide clarifying the roles of teachers and teaching assistants. (see your rep.) I am a student support teacher, and in this role, I've seen a fair amount of unhappiness between teachers
and SSA's. I think it is, first of all, important for you to ask if there is a problem the two of you need to discuss - see if direct communication will clear it up. My suggestion is not to try too hard to make him/her happy. It is your classroom. Bending over too far backwards to create harmony often indicates that indeed, you, the teacher, are in the wrong, and you have something

to fix. You have enough to worry about without also trying to 'meet the needs' of an assistant in your room. If this direct communication doesn't clear things up, you can talk to your St. Support teacher, administration, counsellor, or union rep. - whomever you feel most comfortable with. Best of luck It sounds as if you are doing a great job with your special needs student!