Importance of Building Relationships with Gen Ed Teachers
Importance of Special Educators Building Relationships with General Education Teachers
Being a special educator can be isolating - especially if you are the only one in your building! Often, professional development or staff meeting topics don't apply to us. We are told to "join that group," even though it won't benefit us professionally. It's hard to feel like we're not on an island.
For introverts like me, it can be difficult to meet people at work - especially in a new job/position/school. Also, I feel like I am on the go from the time I get there in the morning until the (late afternoon) when I leave. I often work through lunch, eating over my keyboard. Is that the right thing to do? Of course not! But there is always so much to do!
As I reflect on the friends I have made across the years and across elementary, middle, and high school settings, though, I think about why it is so important to leave our comfort zones for personal and professional relationships with colleagues.
1. Important for helping students
When we have relationships with colleagues, students benefit. It is easier to collaborate. Friends give the benefit of the doubt. If there is a misunderstanding, friends can work through it - or better yet, they know your intentions.
2. Gives a different perspective
I do not have certification to be a general education teacher. Being a special educator is all I've ever wanted to do! But that means my gen ed colleagues have a different perspective on our jobs and on students' learning than I do. I may not always even agree with the perspective, but it is helpful to build my worldview by hearing others' ideas.
3. Makes job less isolating
I have worked in jobs with colleagues that I was not close to. In fact, I only worked in that job one year before moving to a different state. The relationships I did not build undoubtedly played a role in my husband and I deciding to leave. I was so lonely that year, and desperate for a friend. BUT in hindsight, I didn't do my part to reach out to others, and I think in that middle school setting, you (I!) have to make an effort.
4. Learn about grade level specifics or core content
My license is PK-12 General Special Education, so I am an expert on individualizing instruction and making it accessible, but I am not an expert on any grade level standards/content or characteristics of typically-developing students. By building relationships with others, I am able to learn from them.
I have had the opportunity to work with some phenomenal teachers. By having a relationship with them, I am able to learn so much about grade level instruction or ways they have been successful teaching students. I've also had generous colleagues who shared resources they created! In that way, my personal relationship also benefits students.
5. Teachers may have preconceived notion of what a SpEd teacher does
Across the years, I've heard gen ed teachers make comments about how SpEd teachers are easy on kids (or worse, they're not sure what happens when "their" students are in a small group room). It is so important to change those preconceived notions. Building relationships with colleagues and engaging in professional conversations about the supports special education teachers provide students will undoubtedly help to bridge that gap. Even better, they may learn things from you too!
So, that's great, but HOW can we build relationships with our gen ed colleagues?
1. Get involved!
In high school especially, I coached softball. I quickly became friends with other coaches, and I was also able to coach gen ed students.
I was department chair, which allowed me opportunities to learn from other department chairs. My goodness, they were all so smart; I learned so much from them!!
2. Eat in the lounge/teacher workroom
This is one of those "Do as I say" ones, but looking back on one of my positions in a middle school, I should have done this. Instead, I ate in my classroom, and found that I did not build relationships with my colleagues at that school. Often, this is the only "social" time we get in a day, so use it wisely!
3. Practice professionalism
It is my opinion that when gen ed teachers see that you take your job seriously and are a realistic advocate for kids, it is easier to build a relationship based on mutual respect.
4. Generally, be friendly
This is a "duh," but also a reminder to be kind. Say hi. Stop in and give a compliment. Sometimes when we are grinding day after day, we forget this human element. It's not specific to SpEd and Gen Ed, but don't get bogged down and isolate yourself.
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