Re: Building Relationships with Colleagues

Dear Amy,

            It looks as if things on your very first day as a full time teacher didn’t quite go as smoothly, or according to plan as you would have hoped for! Don’t worry, day one at a new job is always tricky, and you can only travel onwards and upwards from here. Remember, that teaching is an intense and challenging profession, and that the career in which you have chosen is far from easy. Not only do you have to simultaneously juggle subject matter; manage time, materials and equipment; cater to the needs and responses of individuals; act as a mentor and create appropriate conditions for your students within the classroom (Hinde McLeod & Reynolds, 2003), but you also have to do so much more that takes place outside of classroom learning. In essence, little things such as building relationships with other teachers is perhaps one of the most crucial elements to one becoming an outstanding teacher (Nias, 2005). As a beginning teacher, we know you’re probably pressed for time because there is so much going on, but it is true that developing peer connections will help you become that great teacher we know you can be. You still have so much to learn Amy, and establishing good colleague relationships will make your teaching journey so much better, and that little bit smoother for you …
 
In order to establish positive relationships with your fellow colleagues, you Amy need to make yourself available and start interacting with other staff members. Engaging in this practise is so important for teachers, but particularly for beginning teachers like yourself because you are new to schooling procedures, policies and protocol. There are simply things that cannot be taught at university, and it is true that at times, you will require the support and assistance of your fellow peers (Nias, 2005). Research has revealed that there is a close link between good colleague relationships and successful teaching (Hupe, 2010). They go hand in hand, and we believe that creating professional relationships with others promotes teamwork, broadens knowledge, leads to best teaching practice and assists in maintaining a commitment to professional development. In addition, Marsh (2008) has recognised that getting along with other teachers can lead to the effective planning and teaching of engaging tasks and activities, assists in the problem solving process and can enhance positive learning experiences. Thus, building relationships with other teachers benefits not only yourself, but others within the schooling context as well. A good school is a school that sees their teachers work together, as strong professional camaraderie creates the best learning environments (Nias, 2005). You Amy mustn’t be shy when working with your fellow teachers this year.

So now that you know why it is important to build relationships with other teachers, you’re probably thinking … How do I build relationships with other teachers? Well, there are many ways. Hupe (2010) believes that you need to make your presence known to the other teachers in the school. Realistically, you can do this by getting to school early, going to the staffroom at both recess and lunch and by staying back after the ringing of the school bell. Whilst at school, you need to talk to your fellow teachers and engage in discussion. Keep in mind, that communication is central in the schooling context as it is ‘the basis for all human interaction’ (Marsh, 2008, p. 144). Be brave, and be willing to ask them questions. Whether the topic of conversation is professional or personal, engaging in discussion and getting involved with other staff members allows you to network, enables you to reflect on past experiences, and helps you build for future learning and teaching (Hupe, 2010).

In addition, you can build relationships with other teachers by being proactive (Marsh, 2008) and by simply throwing yourself into the schooling culture. Be an active participant, and always take the initiative to help out. The best thing for you to do in order to build relationships with your peers is to get involved (Brady, 2003) - don’t just sit alone and lock yourself in the classroom. Never wait for someone to ask you for help! Amy, I know that you feel like the new teacher and the teacher that is surrounded by other teachers with years of experience, but don’t be intimidated by that, and be careful not to be a ‘bystander’. Remember that teaching is a team effort, so always collaborate and work together with other staff members, share your knowledge, ideas and resources, and always offer suggestions to your peers, no matter how big or small they may be.  

Lastly, you need to listen to what your peers have to say and take note of their feedback that they give to you (Brady, 2003). Don’t pretend to know everything. You may not find every little aspect they tell you useful, but listening to other teachers and taking what they say on board may just improve and refine your own knowledge base and pedagogy (Nias, 2005). Bear in mind that ‘learning about teaching’ is a life-long process. Therefore, as a beginning teacher, you should always be open to new ideas in order to stay committed to your profession.

Amy, you obviously have had some difficulties in the staff room and with your supervising teacher already. Be the bigger person, and start afresh. Although you may have some initial difficulties in establishing relationships with your fellow colleagues, use the advice in which we have now given you and apply what you know to really ascertain yourself in your new school. Be persistent, and don’t give up until your fellow teachers give in. Remember, that Element Six of the NSWIT Professional Teaching Standards (2006) states that teachers are to continually improve their professional knowledge and practice, and one way in which this can be achieved are through the relationships you have with your colleagues. The connections you make with your peers can become a great source of help and support when you need it the most, so never underestimate the value of building relationships with other teachers.

Good luck and best wishes, 

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Project BEAM