During my years as an EA supply. One thing was always evident. How we decide to speak to our students and colleagues, will greatly shape who we become as an educator and how we are seen as educators. With any school, regardless of which panel. To everyone I spoke with understanding, kept frequent eye contact, smiled when I could and always made sure the delivery of my speech was one that I would want to receive. I found this greatly shaped the day in a positive way, while embracing respect, inclusivity and healthy relationships at all times.
Just as I would choose to speak to everyone, everyone was treated the same and as equal. The same can be applied towards a student's academics. Every student will be given the same academic resource if they require it. Learning strategies, learning styles, differentiated and tailored lesson plans. These resources can be offered to any student if they need it. The same should go for social etiquette. The social skills you display on a daily basis should be the same for everyone. I could name countless occasions where a teacher or an EA is getting frustrated with a student, often saying something distasteful, completely closing them off for the class or day. As an educator at all times for any student you always want to make them feel welcomed, respected, heard and that what they are saying has value and meaning.
I can often relate to walking in the hallways of a school while supplying, or when I would be walking from class to class in high school. It is a terrible feeling when you are passing by someone in the hallway and they either don't see or ignore you. It is such a gut wrenching feeling. Which is why at all times, smile when you can, use eye contact, be human, show understanding. Do this in any environment/classroom and you will greatly succeed. Students learn by examples and these are the examples we should be setting as educators on a daily basis.
Elijah@NU
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