Teacher Appreciation Week 2011

[#1]

1) the right administrator -- whether this is the building principal, assistant/associate principal, head guidance counselor, etc. it helps a lot to know a "higher up" who can give you advice, guide you through policies and procedures, and back up you as necessary.

2) the front office secretary -- sometimes the administration isn't available. The people in the front office know a lot of what the administration does, know who the right person to ask is, and can often give you hints and tips about how things work.

3) the building facilities person -- worried about lesson plans and grading more than anything else? When you're pre-occupied and lock yourself out of your classroom, this person can get you back in so you can work. Plus, facilities operations people often know how things work, too.

4) the mentoring teacher -- your school may assign you a mentoring teacher, or they may not. Either way, find an experienced teacher whose opinion you trust and build a relationship. When you're having a great day or a terrible day, this teacher is the one you want to share with.

Have fun, and remember that you can learn as well as teach.

[#2]

One of my professors many years ago told me the very same things except in a different order.

1.  Know your custodian because they will always do something extra for you immediately.

2.  Become acquanited with the cafeteria staff because it may be the only good meal you have.

3.  Get to know your school principal's secretary.  This may be one of the smartest people you will ever meet.

4.  Now it is your first day of school and time to meet and greet your children.  Just remember that their parents have entrusted their most prized possession .