The featured image in this post is that of Fuwa-Fuwa OmuRice, one of my favorite dishes at my school’s cafeteria. It’s delicious, and, I always compliment the lunch ladies each and every time.
So, I’ve been a teacher long enough now that I work with a colleague who could have been one of my fifth graders back in the day… *sigh*
As I have this lengthy experience, I feel I can give some advice as to how to connect better within your school environment when you start teaching.
The two most important pieces of advice I can give you, things to do as soon as you hit the ground at your new school, first, go introduce yourself to the cafeteria staff. Second, the custodial staff.
Why? Let’s start in the cafeteria. Not only will you assuredly forget your lunch one day and want to know what the procedure is to get a teacher lunch, also, these are the people who will provide you with an unknown amount of additional help. One day for science lab, you might need a bucket of ice. Maybe one day, you’re running a field trip and need to order bag lunches for the students. Possibly, you will need to utilize the cafeteria or the teachers lounge located in the cafeteria for a party, or a baby shower, or some other special event. In these instances and more, so many more that you can’t possibly consider when you first arrive at school, you will need to be good friends with the cafeteria staff. If there is a holiday and you can possibly bring in a box of cookies to leave with them, do so. If there is a Valentine’s event and you are giving candy to all the staff, don’t forget them. They won’t forget you forever after, once you’ve won them over. Please don’t forget, they are part of the school as well, and it’s important to include them. The school couldn’t run without them.
Next, is of course the custodial staff. These are the people who will do all sorts of tasks for you; you don’t even realize now how useful it will be to be their best friend. Maybe you need 8 thick black garbage bags to do an experiment, maybe you need special cleaning after some sort of after school performance, or maybe you need the stage cleared off. Who knows? The point is, if you get yourself in their good graces, they will be more apt to help you out, and your life will be an awful lot easier at school. Oh, and the cookies and candy rule applies for them as well, remember, the school is made up of everyone. Get to know them all, and your life will be a lot more comfortable and easy!
In every school I have ever worked at, I follow these rules. It has helped immensely. As I sit here, eating this fantastic bowl of Fuwa-Fuwa today, I realized I wanted to share that. I hope it is useful advice for you.
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