Yesterday we shared "Ten ways to say thank you", so who will you be thanking? In a school environment there are many people who deserve our appreciation. Here are ten examples.
1. Other teachers: Who has helped you the most? Maybe they have helped with lesson plans, shared ideas on how to handle a tough situation, or just listened. We know how great it feels when someone acnowledges us. Start a trend.
2. Office support staff: One of the first bits of advice often given to new teachers is to build a good relationship with the school secretary. The office manager is often the person in the know, who can help with materials, schedules, and parent communication. They are often the front line, and sometimes he gatekeeper. They have so many people asking something of them all day long, your symbol of gratitude will mean a lot if from the heart.
3. Custodial Staff: The custodians are also key figures in your day to day existence at school. They are the ones we go to for furniture, supplies, and cleaning. They end up dealing with the messiest situations that occur in schools from sick childrent to rodent management. How have they helped you recently?
4. Helpful Parent: One way to work on time management is delegation and many teachers are utilizing parent volunteers for some important and time consuming jobs. How do you thank them Some schools have appreciation programs that are school-wide. Even if you do, there are some simple ways to show them how much they have helped you.
5. Para-professional or teaching assistant: These individuals are constantly going above and beyond the call of duty. The often have a great deal of contact with our students and again help us manage our time by delegating tasks to them. The pay often does not reflect the quality or importance of their position.
6. Cafeteria workers: These employees are in the front-line with our students daily. They can be very helpful with storing of refreshments, helping students get meals, resolving free lunch status, and serving us a hot lunch every now and again.
7. Crossing guards: Rain or shine, heat or cold they're out protecting our students. Show them they're noticed.
8. School Counselor or psychologist: Who do you call with the challenging situations? These are the people who often work with the tough stuff and the sad stories. The counselors often make home visits and offer strategies and support. Psychologists are busy testing and sharing information at meetings often traveling from school to school. How can you make them feel part of the team?
9. Administrators: You seek them for advice, support and help with challenging situations. If you have a good relationship with your supervisor, let them know their hard work is appreciated. It can be an alienating job, and they want to be acknowledged also. Remember to keep it real. Too much can be interpreted as "brown-nosing".
10. Student: What better way to show our students how to express our gratitude in meaningful ways than to lead by example. They work hard and love to be acknowledged. WIth studentsit even more important to be fair and specific. Clearly address the reason you are acknowledging them. Help them to acknowledge each other. Use the article on "Ten ways to say thank you" for lessons with the students. They would probably have reasons to help you thank the others on this list. Enjoy.