Presented by: Allegheny Intermediate Unit (Adapted from Pattan Training Series) ”I have come to the frightening conclusion that I am the decisive element in the classroom. It is my personal approach that creates the climate.” Hiam Ginott

Local Policy Your local school district, IU, preschool or employing agency’s policies regarding paraeducator job descriptions, duties, and responsibilities provide the final word!

Learner Outcomes Participants will: Describe characteristics of a positive work environment. List ways individuals support and maintain a positive atmosphere in their workplace.

Learner Outcomes (cont.) Participants will: Discuss specific ways to respond to difficult people and situations within the work setting.

Agenda Introduction Why a Positive Work Climate is Important What Makes a Good Day Good Weather Starts With You!

Agenda (cont.) How to Change the Climate With Students With Other Adults in the Classroom In the School

Agenda (cont.) When a Positive Attitude Isn’t Enough Dealing with Difficult Behaviors Resolving Conflict

Why a Positive Work Climate is Important Better place to work Better place to be a student Better for the educational team

What Makes a Good Day? Think about one especially good day at work… In a small group… Share your good day story with your group Identify the characteristics that made that a good day Have a volunteer list your responses Share out

Good Weather Starts With You! Why a positive attitude is important How to get and keep a positive attitude

Why a Positive Attitude Is Important What is a positive attitude? Good for you Physically Mentally Good for your students Good Weather Starts With You!

Why a Positive Attitude Is Important What is a positive attitude? Good for you Physically Mentally Good for your students Good Weather Starts With You!

Why a Positive Attitude Is Important What is a positive attitude? Good for you Physically Mentally Good for your students Good Weather Starts With You!

How to Get and Keep A Positive Attitude Choose your attitude Play Focus on the positive Make someone’s day Good Weather Starts With You!

How to Get and Keep A Positive Attitude Choose Your Attitude Smile Be polite, friendly, helpful Practice “positive self-talk” Activity about recognizing “negative self-talk” Good Weather Starts With You!

How to Get and Keep A Positive Attitude Choose Your Attitude Smile Be polite, friendly, helpful Practice “positive self-talk” Activity about recognizing “negative self-talk” Good Weather Starts With You!

How to Get and Keep A Positive Attitude (cont.) Play See the humor Laugh Plan for fun Reward yourself Turn to a neighbor and think of three ways to make your workplace more fun. Good Weather Starts With You!

How to Get and Keep A Positive Attitude (cont.) Be focused on the positive Keep a record of positive things Share positive thoughts Change your vocabulary STOP negative thoughts Good Weather Starts With You!

How to Get and Keep A Positive Attitude (cont.) Make Someone’s Day! Another adult at school A student Turn to a neighbor and think of three ways you can improve the day of someone you work with and three ways you can “make the day” for a student. Good Weather Starts With You!

How to Get and Keep A Positive Attitude (cont.) Make Someone’s Day! Another adult at school A student Turn to a neighbor and think of three ways you can improve the day of someone you work with and three ways you can “make the day” for a student. Good Weather Starts With You!

How to Change the Workplace Climate With Students With Other Adults in the Classroom In the Entire School

With Students Treat students with respect Look for opportunities to praise students Turn a negative into a positive Make their day How to Change the Climate

With Students Treat students with respect Look for opportunities to praise students Turn a negative into a positive Make their day How to Change the Climate

With Students (cont.) How to Change the Climate Respond to negative student behaviors in a professional manner Don’t take it personally View as a teaching opportunity

With Students (cont.) How to Change the Climate Respond to negative student behaviors in a professional manner Don’t take it personally View as a teaching opportunity

With Students (cont.) Avoid Management Traps Passionate discipline Preaching Questioning How to Change the Climate

With Other Adults In the Class Use effective communication strategies Active listener Objective reporting Be aware of “filters” How to Change the Climate

With Other Adults In the Class Be responsible, honest, loyal and show integrity How to Change the Climate

With Other Adults In the Class Learn to give and receive compliments How to Change the Climate

With Other Adults In the Class Learn to give and receive compliments How to Change the Climate

In the Entire School What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas! Treat others with respect Recognize the levels of authority and sphere of influence Obey school rules How to Change the Climate

In the Entire School What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas! Treat others with respect Recognize the levels of authority and sphere of influence Obey school rules How to Change the Climate

When a Positive Attitude Isn’t Enough Dealing with Negativity and Other Difficult Behaviors Resolving Conflicts

Dealing with Negativity and Other Difficult Behaviors Physical Symptoms Feel like quitting Want revenge Can’t function Make mistakes Short- tempered Irritable Hold back ideas Is it getting to you? When a Positive Attitude Isn’t Enough

Dealing with Negativity and Other Difficult Behaviors What you can do about negativity Get specific Let it go Choose to be positive When a Positive Attitude Isn’t Enough

Dealing with Negativity and Other Difficult Behaviors What you can do about verbal assault Silent refocus Caring comeback Write it down When a Positive Attitude Isn’t Enough

Resolving Conflicts How do you respond to conflict? Think of your work setting and people with whom you occasionally may have conflict Place a check in the box next to each statement on the form that best describes how you respond when conflicts arise When a Positive Attitude Isn’t Enough

Resolving Conflicts (cont.) Use “I” messages the feeling the situation the reason “I feel__________when________ because____________.” When a Positive Attitude Isn’t Enough

Resolving Conflicts (cont.) With Adults Find a good time to talk Listen carefully, speak carefully Take the time to get at the real problem Focus on what you can do to solve the conflict Take action and evaluate the situation over time When a Positive Attitude Isn’t Enough

Resolving Conflicts (cont.) With Students Give clear directions Do not argue with a student Bring concerns about non-compliance to your partner teacher or supervisor When a Positive Attitude Isn’t Enough

Resolving Conflicts (cont.) Once an issue has been resolved LET IT GO And help things get back to normal When a Positive Attitude Isn’t Enough

Resources and References Lundin, S., Paul, H. & Christensen, J. Fish: A Remarkable Way to Boost Morale and Improve Results. New York: Hyperion, Project Para. University of Nevada Las Vegas: Sprick, R. Garrison, M. & Howard, L. ParaPro: Supporting the Instructional Process. Longmont, CO: Sopris West, 2000.

Learner Outcomes Participants will: Describe characteristics of a positive work environment. List ways individuals support and maintain a positive atmosphere in their work.

Learner Outcomes (cont.) Participants will: Discuss specific ways to respond to difficult people and situations within the work setting.

Questions