Nine Ways to Start the Year Fresh

9Ways to Start the Year Fresh

Resolve that this is a brand-new school year.

While some COVID-19 protocols may remain, you have the chance to start over, and it’s up to you to help make the most of it. Leave the last year and a half behind and focus on the future. Make the best of what lies ahead. Start FRESH!

Be careful what you put in writing when talking to parents.

When responding to angry or upset parents, keep it cordial and brief. Always offer to meet with the parent/guardian in person to discuss issues that arise. Once the meeting is over, that’s when you should email to follow up and recap the discussion and provide the agreed-upon next steps.

Know your rights.

Know your rights. Read or re-read your contract so that you will know your rights. Remember, as a union member you have Weingarten Rights which guarantee you the right to union representation. If you believe any meeting may result in disciplinary action request your right to union representation. Read your rights in the sidebar on this page.

Know your union representative.

At the local level you have an executive team that leads your local association. Familiarize yourself with this team, know what buildings they work in and how to contact each of them. This local association leadership is your first point of contact for any issues. Also, make it a point to know who your UniServ Director (MEA Field Representative) is-this person is your MEA contact at the state level. Never forget that if you have any questions that are work related, you can reach out to a union representative-that's what they’re there for!

Be realistic. Manage your expectations for the year. While you know you’ll try your best, you may not reach every goal, and that’s ok. Set your sights on realistic success with your students and your job. Don't let your sincere concern for each child turn into a downward spiral where you focus on failure instead of success.

Say No.

You cannot be afraid to say no. You must realize that while you want to help others, you must remember there is only so much time in a day. You are not obligated to say yes to voluntary committees, duties, etc. Saying no from the get-go will allow you to control your time. When you can, sure, help but do not overload yourself from the beginning. You set your own limits.

Appreciate the small things.

Give yourself a lift by focusing on the positive-the student who tells you that he or she learned something that first week of school or the child who speaks to you in the parking lot and uses your correct name.

Start off slowly.

During the first grading period, while the material may be review work, go over the course content slowly enough that most students can find some success.

Remember three qualities of working in schools.

Weingarten Rights

MEA members have what are known as Weingarten Rights. These rights are granted to union members by the Supreme Court and state the following:

NLRB v. J. Weingarten, Inc, 420 U.S. 251, 88 LRRM 2689

(U.S. Supreme Court, 1975)

If this discussion could in any way lead to my being disciplined or terminated, or affect my personal working conditions, I respectfully request that my union representative, officer, or steward be present at the meeting. Without representation, I choose not to answer any questions.