The six PRs of teaching

Your "PR" skills on the job are just as vital to your career success as your teaching skills.

PR No. 1: Principal Relations

Develop a positive, professional relationship with your principal. Invite him/her to visit your room.
Forewarn her/him of issues or concerns.
Provide updates on your students, parents, etc.
Discuss evaluation – by whom, when, how?
Read and keep on file the school’s policies, rules and procedures.
Listen thoroughly and respond to suggestions or concerns in an open
manner.
When in doubt, ask!

PR No. 2: Pupil Relations

Remember, you are the adult. Don’t become involved in illegal or unethical activities with students.
Get to know students as individuals – their needs, health conditions and special interests.
Establish clear expectations and rules. Make sure your administrator(s), students and parents know the rules as well as the consequences. Enforce them!
Look for ways to boost self-esteem and provide recognition.
Keep student records and information confidential – this is critical.
Review health records and follow the district’s policies for administering medication and reporting accidents and illnesses.
Adhere to the Mandatory Reporting Act for Minors – it’s the law.

PR No. 3: Parent Relations

Communicate clearly and thoroughly with parents and guardians.
Be prepared for conferences and conversations. Know what you need to say and how best to say it. Avoid education jargon. Do not talk down to parents.
Listen to parents, their concerns and their suggestions.
Create a partnership – a spirit of working together.
Understand and plan early and thoroughly for report cards and parent conferences.
Invite parents to visit (open house, classes, events).
Be aware of diverse family situations – know parents’ names and who to contact.
Communicate via phone calls, notes, newsletters or e-mail.
Let parents know about positive performance and behavior as well as areas needing improvement.

PR No. 4: Peer Relations

Don’t isolate yourself – get to know your colleagues.
Seek their advice.
Share and plan collaboratively with your colleagues.
Be cautious when you are angry. It’s difficult to rebuild relationships once angry words have been spoken.
Say thanks to those who help and support you.
Get to know all of the school team, including secretaries, aides, bus drivers, cooks, custodians. Thank them!

PR No. 5: Public Relations

Get involved, but not over-involved, in the community – church, scouts, community organizations, food shelves, Toys for Tots, recycling and many more.
Publicize special news from your classroom.
Project a professional image in the community.

PR No. 6: Personal Relations

Contact your local teacher union for assistance with professional, employment or contractual questions or concerns.
Keep a journal of funny, rewarding moments as well as a box of special mementos.
Be cautious with your “self-talk.” You’re human. Don’t be too hard on yourself.
Develop and maintain a healthy lifestyle, including healthy eating, exercise and sleep habits. Don't forget healthy attitudes about time and stress.

Time management

Establish a reasonable schedule, including time for leisure.
Use your time effectively.
Schedule time for you and your interests outside of work.
Know your internal clock – when you’re most effective and when you’ve reached your limits.
Know your goals and priorities – invest time and energy achieving them.

Stress management