being new

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Home : 2004 : March : 20

being new
By Cathy-Dee

It is harder fitting in when you join a staff who has been there for a few years. You are right in that cliques often do form.

I agree with the last poster in that you should find time to be in the staff room even with
all the complaints just to be a part of the staff. I doubt that they complain everyday or that everyone complains - we have on and off days in our lounge. And sometimes you also learn a lot from the complaints. The staff room is the place where teachers should feel free to destress and for some - it means talking about that student that is driving you crazy because if you don't you might

not make it through that afternoon. And you can also help control the conversation as the first poster suggested. Bring up topics to discuss - we often get into talks about what movie we last saw, who is getting booted off Survivor next. You may meet 3 or 4 teachers who love the same shows as you and you can ask them over to your place to watch the next episode. Or you might overhear some of them are involved in a sport or a craft you love and you can let them know you'd love to join them sometime.

Be friendly - say good morning to everyone you see (even the one who is mad at you). Ask for help even if you don't need it. Ask for advice - us "older" teachers love to share our knowledge and in return we usually love to hear new ideas too. (Yes unfortunately there are teachers out there who do not appreciate new ideas - but it doesn't hurt to try).

Offer to share - if you see someone for example making a display and you have something in your room that would add to it - ask them if they'd like to borrow it.

Be willing to bend - you've offended the one teacher - talk to her. Ask her if you have offended her - hear what she has to say. She might have assumed you didn't want to plan with her because you do not think she is good at teaching or that you think you are better than her. Obviously this is not the reason - but sometimes we take giant leaps when we should have been taking tiny steps. Did this co-worker know you had already done up your plans? If not when she finds out that was the reason and that you'd love to do plans with her for next week it might solve that situation. However in the end she may just be that type of person and you won't be friends with her - if she is trust me anything she says will be taken with a grain of salt from the rest of the staff.

Share about yourself - are you really talented in some areas - bring things to school that would encourage others to ask questions to you. For example if you are artistic - bring something to work on during lunch and see what doors of conversation open up. If you make great cookies - bring in a treat one day.

This is only your first year at the school so there is still plenty of time to make changes that will make working in your school so much more pleasant which I believe is just as important as teaching the students.