Teaching is a hard profession. There are so many people to "please". The most important is your students, but then you also have parents, special/elective teachers, related service providers, principals, district office staff, and the list goes on and on. With so many people to collaborate with, there are bound to be obstacles, disagreements, and challenges. In this career, it is unavoidable. So.....what strategies can we use when we come across obstacles? First and foremost, we can rely on our coworkers and peers to be a listening ear. Also, we can share stories of obstacles that we have overcome and how we overcame them so that others may add tools to their toolbox for future use. As you reflect on your teaching experiences, what is an obstacle that you had? What strategies did you use to overcome the obstacle? Why do you think this strategy worked?
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I think taking the time to reflect when you come up against these situations is important. Taking as much time as you can, even if it’s minutes, can help you think through possible outcomes and weigh different viewpoints.
I also try to find silver linings in each day or situation. There is nearly always something that went okay or worked out okay, even when we may think it wasn’t the right decision.
Reflection in this job is SO very important!! It can teach you so much and guide you in the future.
One of the obstacles I have faced is trying to work with people who do not have the same goals. Working on a grade level and team teaching is not always easy. When you try to compromise and the other party does not seem to budge. This is where having outside relationships where you can talk. You may want to get something off your chest but at the school site, it can seem like gossip. This is where I put my energy into the students. Our district has mental health professionals available to assist. Taking care of yourself is important.
GRACE would be my suggestion. You never know what the other person is carrying and you can be the one that chooses to listen and respond professionally. If you do this consistently when it comes your time in need of grace it will come. Don’t take anything personally, parents are sending their best and peers are bringing the same. Sometimes are going to be hard, but typically the good far outweighs any bad!
Taking care of yourself .. reflecting… and viewing the situation or person from multiple perspectives/angles. I also love to remember the Circle of Control.. what can you control etc. and as others have also shared -grace.
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Teaming is hard work with adults. Especially in schools where everyone has a different perspective and level of experience. Tuckman’s stages of team development are crucial to understanding what stage you and your team, school, district are in and what strategies work to move out of the current stage towards the next.
I also love PLC’s work with norming. I find adults are sometimes the most difficult so having common language for how the group will work and clear understanding of group norms is critical. The 7 norms of collaboration is a favorite tool to use with teams as well!
