Granite District Administrators The Granite Education Association A

Granite District Administrators & The Granite Education Association: A Working Collaboration Star Orullian, Executive Director, Granite Education Association

“No problem can be solved from the same level of consciousness that created it. We must learn to see the world anew. ” -Albert Einstein

The Association’s Role: u To promote the cause of quality public education and advance the profession of education; expand the rights and further the interest of education employees; and advocate human, civil, and economic rights for all. AND, protect the orderly termination PROCESS!

Common Goals of Classroom Educators and Administrators Both School Administrators and Teachers have the desire to: Provide a quality education for every child; Enhance the public’s view of our schools; Protect Public Education as the institution best able to “fulfill the promise of a democratic society…. ”

How Can We Best Reach Those Goals? u In attaining these common goals, the differences between classroom educators and administrators are generally realized in the perspective of each entity.

TWO VIEWPOINTS u Teachers want to keep themselves and their students happy; u Administrators want to keep everybody happy; u So what happens when someone is not happy?

THAT’S WHERE WE COME IN!

u In our role as educator advocates, our goal is to uphold and improve the rights and working conditions of our members, while at the same time doing what’s best for kids.

Our goal is NOT—contrary to popular belief—to make your lives miserable! u. In fact, we can help make your job easier.

THE SECRET TO SUCCESS AS AN ADMINISTRATOR? IT’S THE RELATIONSHIPS!

Five major areas of concern: u Teacher-Administrator Relations u Building Committee Concerns u Orderly Termination u Teacher-Parent Relations u Non-renewals

Administrators & Teachers u Again, it’s the relationships u Administrators want respect; so do teachers u Respect must be earned u Teachers who appear to dislike kids u Administrators who appear to dislike teachers

School Building Committee (SBC) u Start the year off with a SBC meeting. Confer with your AR. u Follow the policy. u Demonstrate your willingness to listen and respond to concerns without feeling defensive (easier said than done). Encourage input from your staff. u Make your SBC a truly site-based experience.

Orderly Termination BE FAMILIAR WITH THE POLICY! u Don’t skip steps or procedures. u Have a witness in the room who takes notes for you. u If the individual who is being reprimanded is a member of the Association, advise him/her to seek our counsel prior to a reprimand. u All educators have the right to be represented during the Orderly Termination process. u Know when to involve your Association Building Rep. (AR) and when NOT to involve him/her. u

SCHOOL RELATIONSHIPS u u u u Begin your tenure at any new school by being an observer the first year. Treat educators as professionals – Not, “Because I’m the boss, that’s why! Get “buy-in” before implementing new programs. Make “equity” your middle name. Use positive phrases—never sarcasm. Use your Building Committee as a “sitebased” sounding board. Remember what it was like to be in the classroom, and use common sense when scheduling meetings that go over contract time! Never, never talk about one educator to another.

Teacher-Parent Relationships u Attempt to always refer a parent to a teacher as the first step in conflict resolution. u Get both sides of every story. u In meetings, never allow abusive behavior on either side (and that also means toward you). u Let your faculty members know that you support them. This makes it easier when problems occur.

Loose Lips Sink Ships: or What to say to ensure trouble! “You’re broken, and I’m here to fix you!” u “I don’t care what you think! You’ll do things my way, or you’ll get your walking papers!” u “Are you on medication? ” or “You need to see a therapist!” u “I’ve heard about you!” u Many versions of, “I’m the mommy, that’s why!” u

More Loose Lips u “How old are you? ” u “Maybe you should retire. ” u “Are you straight? ” u “Are you LDS? ” or “What ward are you in? ”

Association Help u Always advise educators that they have the right to representation. u Call us if you see a potential conflict between what your school is doing (or planning to do) and the Professional Agreement.

LET US HELP! Uni. Serv Directors: Star Orullian starleen. orullian@utea. org Nikki Peterson nikki. peterson@utea. org

Q&A The Granite Education Association