Relationships with Other Staff

In my past years of working with the staff in my Professional Development Schools (Taylor County Middle School and University High School), my relationship with other faculty didn't really go beyond my mentor teacher and coordinator/coordinators. The only individuals I talked to during my time at school were the people I was required to speak to.

This semester has definitely been different for me in this manner. Every moment I have to spend with another member of the staff is so valuable; I truly regret never creating these relationships in the past. Even during "down time" like lunch in the faculty lounge is useful to me. During this time I can talk to the other teachers about their tutors or participants to see how they are doing, ask for advice about how to manage different students, and to stay aware of things going on at the school.

My most useful interaction with the faculty is during our weekly seventh grade team meeting. We usually hold these meeting with all seventh grade teachers and our principal. Sometimes other individuals come into our gatherings to talk to the group about technology integration, new policies, etc. These are wonderful moments of calm to talk about our concerns and see what's going on with students in other classes. Though these meetings are held during our only planning period, I think this time for staff development is extremely valuable to me as an intern. I already know most of the 7th grade staff's names and subjects, so if I have any questions about how to integrate another subject into my curriculum I will know who I can go to for this.