Protect the Instructional Process! THERE’S A JOB FOR EVERYONE MOST IMPORTANT: Protect the Instructional Process! So… What can you do????

IN THE CLASSROOM Supervising students Working with special projects Preparing Materials

WORKING WITH ONE OR JUST A FEW Reviewing skills Working on/completing missed assignments Supervising center Reading to students

SCHOOL-WIDE ASSISTANCE Share your career or hobby Set up a reading club Work in the library, office (if approved by principal and secretary) Work on yearbook, homeroom lists Work on fund-raiser Other duties assigned by principal

BE CREATIVE! Presenting or assisting Music Art Drama Cultural Projects

FOR YOUR OWN BENEFIT- When in Doubt... ASK!

CONFIDENTIALITY ISSUES TAKING PHONE MESSAGES: This is up to the discretion of the school. Write them clearly. Put them in a confidential place. Tape upside down on Principal’s door. Give to secretary. Take messages if teacher is not on planning time – PROTECT THE INSTRUCTIONAL TIME.

OFF LIMITS Student files/records Student tests Teacher grade book Student discipline slips/records Special Education records/IEPs No grading papers

OFF LIMITS continued Confidential discussion.... remove yourself quietly Discipline of students Secretary's desk/computer areas Watch discussions around students Emergency card notebook

NO DISCUSSION OF STUDENTS With other teachers that do not have the student in class With other people in the community With other school personnel/secretaries/aides With family members

NO TAKING PHOTOGRAPHS OF STUDENTS Without direction of principal Without parental consent under the direction of principal

WHAT ABOUT TOUCHING? Caution must be used when touching students. In general, less is better. The student’s cultural background may also play a factor in whether it is appropriate to touch them at all.

There are many ways to show a student you care without touching. A smile “Thumbs up” Specific genuine praise

Points to Ponder How do I want to spend my time? Should I volunteer in my own child’s classroom? How much time do I want to give consistently? Are there things I can do at home? What if it doesn’t work out?