Aloha. Hello. Welcome. Simple words that we might take for granted. But if you think about it, how many times have you appreciated feeling welcome? Have you ever gone somewhere and felt unwelcomed or ignored? We often forget that we spend more time at school during the week than we do at home. So, feeling welcomed, wanted, or appreciated, is important. I think that we tend to consider making everyone feel welcome when it comes to our students. The first day of school is typically the ice breaker day. We plan on ways to start learning our students’ names and create fun activities so that they get to know each other and feel welcome.
The reason why I bring this up is because I recently started a new position in education. I am super excited about the new opportunity with the hope that I will get to positively affect and support more wonderful people in the education system, especially teachers and students. Like most people entering a new job or situation, I was a little anxious. That anxiety quickly lessened when I was greeted in the lobby and escorted to my new work space. On my desk were snacks, welcome signs, and colorful decorations that exhibited the spirit of aloha. My understanding is that the Hawaiian aloha means several things like hello, love, compassion, kindness, and grace. This greeting is meant to be given without any obligations.
This got me to thinking. What do we do to welcome our new teachers? I know that one of my first teaching jobs did not have the best welcome. I am sure that it was not intentional, but I can remember having to find my new classroom all by myself in a building that was unfamiliar. I didn’t know any one and most people just closed-up in their room to work or hung out with their besties at work. As the year continued, I tried to make myself welcome to groups and gathers, but I found myself mostly alone. Needless to say, I went to another school the following year. People want to stay where they feel welcome. This is where we get buy in. Let’s face it, teaching is hard, but I find that most teachers are willing to put up with just about any change, extra work, and trainings as long as they feel a part of the community.
Making someone feel welcome does not have to be just for a new person. No, in fact, we should be welcoming to everybody all throughout the year. Here are some simple ways to make others feel welcome:
- Just smile and say hello when you pass someone in the hall
- If you hear about someone who has something to celebrate make the effort to go and tell them congratulations
- If you hear that someone is going through a rough patch, you can go and offer a way to help (if that scares you, you can just go and say that you hope things get better)
- Celebrate each other’s birthdays even if it is just the teachers in your department or hallway
- Go to the local dollar store and get a few things to give a new teacher for their first day
- And share; share lesson plans, share ideas, share resources, share supplies, share your lunch.
To think more about creating a welcoming culture at your school or work place, watch Diana Dosik’s TED Talk titled “Why We Need to Treat Our Employees as Thoughtfully as Our Customers.” In this case our customers would probably be the students. https://www.ted.com/talks/diana_dosik_why_we_need_to_treat_our_employees_as_thoughtfully_as_our_customers?utm_campaign=tedspread&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=tedcomshare
My new team simply decorated my desk, and it made me feel welcome. What are some things that you do to make others feel welcome at your school? What did someone do for you that made you feel welcome. I can’t wait to hear your stories.
See You Real Soon,
Erin
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