Ending on a Positive Note
By Mary Ellen Bafumo

The finish line of yet another school year will be in sight when you read this issue of Teaching K-8. There are tests to prepare and administer, decisions to be made about grades and the usual flurry of closing-down-the-classroom activities that begin when testing and report cards fade.

Moving beyond
You've probably already been reflecting on which units worked and which didn't, on the books that will be shared again and those that won't appear next year. Many of you may have identified materials that can be reused and a few hardy souls have even started cleaning out files. As you sort through the past year in preparation for closing it out and being ready for a fresh start, this column challenges you to move beyond lessons, materials and students to consider what needs to be done to build, repair or maintain your professional relationships. Like any other human connection, these need attention and cannot be taken for granted.

True friends and colleagues
Interactions with peers, much like those with students, can make or break the school year. Peer relationships affect the classroom directly if team planning and teaching are involved. They have indirect impact by influencing the climate of a school, grade level, team or department. Teachers everywhere can testify to the power of supportive and trustworthy colleagues. We all know teachers who consider their teammates lifesavers. Their professional relationships are characterized by sharing, caring and encouraging each other's efforts and ideas. They carry the load when their teammate or partner can't. They provide moral support in times of sorrow or discouragement. They know how and when to say what needs to be said so that students always come first. They are, by all measures, true friends as well as colleagues.

By the same token, too many teachers know the sting of peers who do not have those characteristics. There are no terms of endearment for the partner or team member who doesn't carry his or her weight, who won't share ideas or materials and who won't step in and carry the load for a beleaguered colleague.

Building relationships
There is very little development in the area of building and sustaining relationships in teacher preparation courses in college. Principals bring in mediators and special speakers when this is a problem, but by then, the situation is usually toxic. There are some simple ways to address relationships and they all begin with you. Read on for four uncomplicated steps that keep good relationships going and improve those that need help. Be sure to try them before the school year is out.

1. Start a "Positive Post-it®" movement in your school. Put a colleague's name on a Post-it® and write something positive about that person. Don't forget to include the less popular staff members. Find something nice to say like, "Great bulletin board!," "Your new hairdo is the best!" or "Super tie!" Don't sign it. Stick it on his or her classroom door or desk without being seen. Watch the notes appear on many doors and desks. You'll see your colleagues smiling more often.
2. Celebrate good colleagues rather than taking them for granted. Lead your team or grade level in marking the closing of the school year by bringing in lunch, desserts, fruit and beverages. Have an "open house" sign on your door and invite everyone to stop in and share stories as they clean out their classrooms. Laugh, commiserate and be the first to express your thanks and appreciation for support, help and friendship during the year.
3. Let bygones be bygones. Since the only person you can ever change is yourself, give up the anger, even if you were the party who was wronged in a school situation. Repair this bridge before you leave school this year. Take a deep breath, walk up to the person who gave you a hard time and say, "I hope we can start fresh in the new school year. I'd like that. Enjoy the summer." It's hard to be anything but disarmed by such generosity of spirit.
4. Make contact with your peers this summer. Think about how you feel when someone sends you a card or note just to say they are thinking of you. Feels pretty good, right? Send a postcard from your vacation spot to your team or grade-level peers. Just be sure to write their addresses on labels before you leave so that you have them handy. Or, send a "thinking of you"-type card or note from home. Does everyone on the team have a home computer? If so, send an electronic greeting card. It accomplishes the same thing. All of these approaches only take a line or two, but they help to build the bridge of support that you will need in the coming year.

A world of difference
Your example in expressing thanks to your colleagues, opening your door to those you like less, finding something positive to say about difficult peers and being the peacemaker can make a world of difference for you and your colleagues in the upcoming year.

I hope that you have a wonderful summer – have fun!

Mary Ellen Bafumo is a Program Director for the Council on Educational Change, an Annenberg legacy group.

May 2006, Vol.36, No.8