Laser Lessons - Lesson

Be able to develop professional relationships with adults

Table of Contents

In this tutorial you will learn:

That making the effort to get to know colleagues outside of work and build genuine friendships will enhance staff relationships.
Staff should take responsibility for their own feelings in conflict situations, expressing their views in a non-accusatory manner.
It is important for staff to consider the effectiveness of their relationships with adults within a school environment.

Table of Contents

Tutorial Video
Reading Materials

Laser Learning reading text
'Level 3 diploma Supporting Teaching and Learning in schools (primary, or secondary)' by Louise Burnham and Brenda Baker, published by Heinemann

Presentation
Good Practice Example

View the video to the right, which was produced by Teachers TV. This is a 15-minute video covering practical tips for tackling some typical concerns of a working relationship between teaching assistants and teachers. Watch the video and make notes. Is there anything that you can relate to your setting? What can you learn from watching the video?
View the video to the right, which was produced by Teachers TV. This is a 15-minute video covering practical tips for tackling some typical concerns of a working relationship between teaching assistants and teachers. Watch the video and make notes. Is there anything that you can relate to your setting? What can you learn from watching the video?

Interactive Quiz
Evidence Opportunities
Extended Learning

Does your school encourage respectful behaviour towards all adults? Ask to look at your school’s policies on inclusion, and equal opportunities. These policies help to make sure that all parents and adults at your school feel included and welcomed.
Write a list of things that you would need to tell a new parent about your school. Think about the things they need to know for themselves and for their child. Don’t forget things like how you pass on letters or information. Are letters given by hand, or put in the child’s bag or tray? Think about things that will help them to feel confident about leaving their child with you: the safety procedures, what activities you might be doing that day. Don’t forget to introduce them to other key staff.
On the Thought website this article looks at ‘The Importance of Effective Communication Between Teachers’. It includes some helpful dos and don’ts.
The Education Support Partnership have produced this document on ‘Managing Disagreements at School’ which looks at some skills to manage misunderstanding and conflicts.
'How to develop positive relationships in the staffroom and beyond' from the Laughology website looks at the importance of spending time building relationships with colleagues.
Although written for American teachers, this article, 'Communicating Cross-Culturally: What Teachers Should Know', offers insight into the way different cultures can impact on children and their parents in school.
This article in The Guardian newspaper looks at ‘Teaching in multicultural classroom: tips, challenges and opportunities’.

Think And Challenge