The First Impression

Now is the time to pull those shoulders back, pull those stomach muscles in and stand tall. We want our students to stand and speak confidently so be ready to model that. Make sure their first impression of you is one that states you are caring, confident, and understanding. You will need to convince your students they are going to be safe and respected during their time with you. How will you stand, how will you speak, how will you carry yourself if you know there’s only two seconds to make a good first impression? If your first impression is positive, students will look forward to learning more about you and be more cooperative. 

Connecting to PBIS:

Modeling behavior expectations plays a huge part in compliance. Students not only do as you say, they also do as you do. Part of positive behavioral interventions is making sure you’re an exemplary model of safe, respectful, and responsible behavior.

Knowledge and Diversity

As a part of Student Hires, you have the unique opportunity to support students and build connections with them. Students will appreciate having someone that will listen and learn about them outside the pressures of the regular school day. You will have the chance to engage students in activities that will impact their growth socially, emotionally and academically. Find opportunities to learn about your students and have them share their stories. Students should feel valued for their unique experiences, cultural background, and knowledge that they bring to this learning community. 

Focus on building an inclusive environment where students celebrate and support each other. Students may get the chance to be with a different group of peers in the program from their regular class and your leadership can give them a different place to shine in. Some students may not feel that sense of belonging in their regular classroom for various reasons, so this is a special opportunity for you to help them feel included at school.

Get to know your students in order to build equitable learning opportunities for your students’ strengths and areas of need. You can help students build up their areas of strength to share and lead others. You can also support any special areas of need. You have a unique opportunity to engage all learners with relevant, student-centered activities. Learning more about your students’ background and prior experiences will help you find ways to bring new experiences to them. 

Connecting to PBIS:

Ensure students are valued and accepted for their unique experiences, culture, and diversity.

Have knowledge of student backgrounds in order to provide equitable opportunities.

Family Engagement

Your students and their families will come to you with diverse and unique backgrounds. Celebrate diversity together and use the knowledge they bring with them to strengthen your learning community. Building a culturally responsive learning environment involves learning about the community you serve. Try your best to make sure families feel welcomed and valued. 

Maintain frequent communication with families verbally or through writing. It certainly does not take an essay to communicate that you care. A quick note with a positive message can be uplifting and encouraging for students and their families. Do not wait until there is an issue to resolve to contact your student’s family. Building connections shows families you care about the student and will increase their trust in your decisions when you need to work as a team to solve any issues that may arise.

Connecting to PBIS:

Help families share and feel appreciated as part of the learning community.