Long-time educators receive respect
Staff continuity helps build student, parent relationships
Darrell Greer
Northern News Services
Wednesday,February 1, 2017
NAUJAAT
A number of educators received long-term-service awards at Tuugaalik High School in Naujaat recently.
Kivalliq executive director Bill Cooper of Kivalliq School Operations presents Tuugaalik High School principal Aubrey Bolt, right, with a fiveyear longtermservice award in Naujaat recently. - photo courtesy of Julia MacPherson |
Principal Aubrey Bolt, who received a five-year award, said the intent is to recognize people who have given long, devoted service to the government.
He said longevity is important because teachers stay in a community long enough to build relationships with their students.
"They also build relationships with the parents, while providing continuity in the delivery of education and the services the school gives to the community," said Bolt.
"In the past, teachers would be here for a year or two and then they'd be gone.
"People who stay longer get to know issues that may exist with particular students, such as learning disabilities or family issues that might impact upon the school.
"When parents know the teacher, the relationship is better because they become more trusting and open to discussions to benefit their child's program."
Bolt said it takes time to build comfort and trust between a parent and teacher.
He said you need a solid level of comfort and trust to have fruitful discussions on whatever issues a student faces.
"It may be something as simple as how a child might benefit from placement in the class, or it could be about extra work they may need, or a weakness they might have in math, English or whatever.
"Once parents know a teacher, their expectations and how they deal with children, they become more comfortable with offering advice on how to deal with their child."
Bolt said schools with long-term staff members can develop a heightened sense of teamwork among the teachers.
He said over time, teachers get to really know each other's skills and abilities.
"They get to know their strengths and weaknesses, which improves the delivery of instruction for the students.
"There's a lot more sharing of resources, knowledge and skills once teachers really get to know each other.
"People also tend to work better in extracurricular activities when they have a good working relationship.
"Students see the teachers are interested in them when they've been around for awhile, and that can increase their levels of trust, respect, and classwork."
