Adapted from ETFO PROVINCIAL - PROFESSIONAL RELATIONS SERVICES : 1-888-838-3836
WRITTEN COMMENTS:
DO: DON'T:
- ensure Principal sees notes sent to parents - write anything in haste that could be
re: entire class/sensitive issues misinterpreted
- utilize factual comments rather than - threaten, use negatives
interpretations/heresay - be tactless
- write notes when you are calm rather than - communicate in written form when a verbal in the heat of the moment discussion would suffice
- keep copies of all communications sent
- be wary of grammatical structures, spelling
VERBAL COMMENTS:
DO: DON'T:
- speak calmly - swear
- use positive phrases - threaten
- remain professional - intimidate
- be non-judgmental - be sarcastic
- be non-racial - use personal attack
- be reflective - use the "past"
- restate and rephrase for understanding - yell
- be polite and respectful - use slanderous language
- be receptive - demean
- be open, honest, fair - trivialize
- think before you speak, take a deep breath - say things you will regret later
- empathize - use "isms"
TOUCHING:
DO: DON'T:
- be trained in BMS where necessary - touch a student if it can be avoided
- be age appropriate
- be aware of real/ perceived abuse
- make it appropriate for the safety of yourself, others
- reduce risks
- be sensitive to cultural diversity
GESTURES:
DO: DON'T:
- smile, nod, be positive - use mocking gestures - limp, crazy
- pat on shoulder (when not alone) - use hitting motions; clench fists; mock
- offer consoling gestures (when not alone) throttling
- offer congratulatory gestures - make obscene gestures eg. The finger
eg. handshake, high-five - use facial expressions eg. Duh? Hello?
- throw things eg. chalk
ETFO THAMES VALLEY OCCASIONAL TEACHERS' LOCAL
