Before you all start yelling at me that there are not enough hours in the day, I agree. But should you try some of this stuff, I really think you will find yourself less isolated and in that will gain some perspective and support where you least expected it.
I think all teachers feel isolated. More so now than ever. We are all operating under a very heavy blanket of responsibilities. Most often, the new responsibilities pull us further and further away from collegiality and co-teaching, and warm fuzzy teacher-to-teacher time. Don't you just love time with your best teacher pals??
It has been my experience that special education teachers are more likely to feel even more isolated. Face it, in most schools there are only a few of us and we each have an area of specialty which is pretty specific in nature making exposure to a variety if kiddos less likely.
Those of us lucky enough to collaboratively co-teach as we include our special ed kiddos can get a quick fix of collegiality. Those of us not able to use an inclusive model with our kiddos are limited to the same handful of kids and adults every day. We don't get out much. When you read the following, please know that I know and understand that some of you will not be able to do any of this due to your job responsibilities and the population you work with. I am suggesting these things to those of us in resource programs who have a bit more flexibility in our day.
So, here are a list of things I have done to stay connected with the larger body.
- Volunteer to help out the teachers in charge of the talent show, music shows, extra curriculars. In doing so, you don't have the responsibility of running anything, but you get to be involved and from there you are seen as a legit adult by reg ed kiddos and as a really helpful gal by your reg ed colleagues.
- Depending on your contract, consider picking up a paid duty like lunch or recess. I took on a lunch duty two days a week. I got to know all the kiddos and took time to build rapport with them. From there I was able to match my kids with some of them within the classrooms as well as during unstructured time. I was able to help reg ed peers see my students as possible friends, as real people, as contributing members of our school. I also reaped the benefits of the reg ed kiddos seeing me as a reliable adult with actual credibility. I became a real part of the school and all my cherubs were also seen as such.
- As much as I hate committees. Do not avoid them! Your perspective and expertise is needed on these committees. You represent a vital interest.
- Go to the teacher's lounge and hang out. I resent how many administrators and college professors tell you to stay out of them because they are cesspools of negativity. It is all in the way you handle yourself in the lounge. I have found great solace and support in the lounge, not to mention great treats. Great ideas have been born in the teachers' lounge. Therapeutic conversations have taken place in the teachers' lounge. Solutions to classroom problems have been found in these lounges. And yes, great venting has happened in the lounge and I celebrate that! We are human after all.
- Bring treats for the lounge. Every once in a while throw a few bags of fun size candy bars on the tables with a note expressing your support and thanks for all the help your cherubs get from them. Let them know you realize your kiddos present unique challenges and you admire and appreciate the clever things reg ed teachers do for them.
- Make sure to spend time in art, music, band, and phy ed. Make your presence known and make sure these teachers know you are available to them. Remember that they get ALL the kids in the school and often times with no supports the classroom teachers get.
- Station yourself in busy hallways at the beginning and end of the school day. Help out with crowd control wherever you can. Be visible. Talk to reg ed kids, comment on their clothes, smiles, acts of kindness. Be silly, have fun, share a laugh.
- I started a very involved all school reading contest one year. It was fabulous. It only worked because I had a very flexible schedule that year and a lighter case load. That is one of my fondest memories.
I have always worked hard at being an involved and integral part of every school in which I work. My students have benefitted right along with me. I also believe the whole school benefitted from our involvement.
Don't let your work world get too small. Don't underestimate your value to the whole school. You will quickly slide right into burnout. And that is a really bad place to be.
