Beginning Teacher Assistance Program Audio Lesson 2

Problems to Avoid in the Workplace

Why Educators Have Problems 1. Failure to make adequate progress when competency has been called into question. 2. Violation of board policies or supervisor directives. 3. Inability to accept or embrace change. 4. Ineffective communication and diplomacy skills (and a bad attitude).

Problems cont. 5. Inability to recognize, maintain, and reinforce professional boundaries. 6. Cutting corners. 7. Failure to recognize and abide by local standards of morality. 8. Inability to manage temper, control students, etc. 9. Inability or refusal to cooperate with different personalities and managers.

Problems cont. 10. What were they thinking? Zero Tolerance Misconduct: Situations involving alcohol or drugs (permission, use, purchase) Situations involving alcohol or drugs (permission, use, purchase) Sexual contact with staff or students Sexual contact with staff or students Almost any kind of touching, sexual innuendo, or jokes Almost any kind of touching, sexual innuendo, or jokes Misuse of computers or other technology for pornography, IM, and texting Misuse of computers or other technology for pornography, IM, and texting Stalking, threatening, or other criminal conduct Stalking, threatening, or other criminal conduct Unapproved use of duct tape for restraints Unapproved use of duct tape for restraints

“ All that aside, I still need advice. ” Don ’ t wait until the last minute to seek assistance. Call your professional teacher organization as soon as a problem arises. Don ’ t wait until the last minute to seek assistance. Call your professional teacher organization as soon as a problem arises. Take notes and document circumstances. Take notes and document circumstances. Secure appropriate documents (if applicable). Secure appropriate documents (if applicable). Find board policy governing the situation (if it exists). Make a copy for your records. Find board policy governing the situation (if it exists). Make a copy for your records. Determine your desired goal to plan a course of action. Determine your desired goal to plan a course of action.