Teachers, like any other professional or worker, have strengths and weaknesses when it comes to working relationships. Just like in any office or place of work, there can be cooperation or competitions, trust and mistrust, camaraderie and disunity. This cannot be avoided because everyone has his own set of beliefs and attitudes.
It would most likely that you can have co-teachers who you get along well with and those who you do not. As a professional of a noble nature, it can be challenging to act and behave as you preach. It is a fact that there will be people in your life that can drain out the blood in you.
What should you do with toxic people in your life?
First and foremost is to spend really serious time to reflect about yourself. There is no other best way to like, respect, and love others if you cannot give those to yourself. So, take time to know yourself in a deeper way. What do you like and not like and why? How would you deal with persons who are different from you? How can you make yourself a contingent person without losing your identity?
After thorough reflection and there are existing persons in your work that you have hard time getting along with, try to assess the person in an objective manner. What do you like and not like about him/her and why? Is there a common point where you can get along with? Are you ready to meet him/her halfway?
Being a teacher does not only entail being the best for your students or the profession but it also about being able to have healthy relationships with your colleagues, your students’ parents, and yourself. Social relations is a must you should try to develop and improve if you wish to have a harmonious career as a teacher.
References:
Buunk, B.P.; B. Doosje; G. Liesbth; J. Jans; L. Hopsaken (1993). “Perceived reciprocity, social support and stress at work: The role of exchange and communal orientation.”. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology; Retrieved on October 5, 2014.
Turner, Stephen P. (1983). Conflict in organizations: Practical solutions any manager can use; (University of South Florida).
Sias, P.M.; G. Smith; T. Avdeyeva (2003). “Sex and sex-composition differences and similarities in peer workplace friendship development”. Communication Studies. Retrieved on October 25, 2014.
By: Ruel P. Labrador | T – III | Morong Elementary School
