Below is a list of suggestions to help you make a positive impression. Remember, conducting yourself in a positive, polite, and professional manner is key to success!
Check your email at least once per day.
Respond to emails or phone calls within 24 hours. It looks very unprofessional to reply to someone 2 or 3 days later.
If someone helps you, whether they contact someone on your behalf, help you with something in person, or just provide you with simple information, thank them. When you provide a thank you either in person or via email, it goes a long way and is remembered.
If you have something out of the ordinary going on and need to be out for a period of time, communicate with your building principal about how to best deal with the situation. Do not just call out continuously. This can lead to unwanted speculation and consequence.
Obviously we all have personal responsibilities and obligations that we need to attend to before and after school. However, this is not a 9-5 job. Do not continuously arrive late or right at the start of the day only to leave immediately at the end of the day, every day. People will notice. The point is… put in the required time to do the job the best you can!
Email is the best form of professional communication... not texting!!! Please remember this as you interact in a friendly, professional manner with administrators.
When corresponding with staff and administration via email, remember you are not “texting with a friend.” Write using polite, professional, complete sentences with proper grammar.
The dreaded... "REPLY ALL"... to an email. USE THIS ONLY WHEN NECESSARY!!! This is something that you need to be mindful when replying to an email sent out from an administrator or fellow staff member. 9 times out of 10, the other staff members included in the email do not need to know about your own personal situation, response or comment and frankly they do not need to be bothered with having to sift through one more email to read and then delete. Only use "Reply All" if your response will add to/further an important conversation!!!
Be mindful of what you are doing when on your smart device. If and when you are using district Wi-Fi, you are granting the district permission to view whatever you are doing on their Wi-Fi.
If you need help or guidance with an issue, remember to be respectful of others’ time and schedules. Do your best to schedule meetings or times to chat with others, whether that be a fellow teacher or administrator. Everyone is busy and everyone’s time is equally valuable and important. There is nothing more frustrating than losing your prep time due to an unexpected “pop-in”.
If you have a question or need guidance about something going on in your classroom, building, or other issue, follow the chain of command when seeking out help and guidance. No one likes to be kept in the dark or out of the loop so speaking with people in the proper order will help get you answers and resolve issues sooner.
For teaching related questions, guidance and issues, speak with fellow teachers first and try to resolve the issues on your own if possible. If you need further assistance, then speak with your building principal or department supervisor. They will reach out to upper level administrators on your behalf if need be… there is no reason for you to email the superintendent directly.
For forms and information on health insurance, various types of leave, school policies, and more, check out the Staff Resources section of the district’s website, www.southcolonieschools.org. For additional information and guidance on these topics you will want to speak with members of the human resources department at the district office.
For union related questions, guidance or issues, first consult your SCTA contract. This very important document is filled with an abundance of information and can answer many questions and concerns you may have. If you cannot find your answer there, visit the union’s member benefits website... you're already here! If you still need additional information and guidance to questions, then reach out to your union building representative(s). They will reach out to upper level union officers on your behalf if need be.