Relationships at School and Work
The “101”
The place you go to learn and the place you go to work are sometimes referred to as “communities” because they are shared by people who cooperate with each other in order to accomplish a shared purpose.
School communities and work communities are most successful when the people in those communities have common values. Look around the places you learn and work for postings and publications of the communities’ values—things like a school motto, a list of standards of conduct (expected behaviors), or workplace rules in a staff handbook. Those are examples of how communities establish the “ground rules” for how community members should relate to each other.
Learning and work turn less productive and could be harmful when some community members do not follow the ground rules.
Reflect On It
Write in your journal (download journal) any thoughts you have as you think about this topic, using the questions below:
Learn More
Getting Along with Teachers Read or listen to this article for tips on getting along with teachers.
Getting Along with Co-Workers Read these tips about why it’s important to get along with co-workers and some strategies on how to get along.
Take Action!
Get Help Fitting in at School and Work
Let an adult you trust know that you don’t feel like you fit in at school, or are having a rough time with an adult at your place of learning or work. Your trusted adult may have some strategies to improve the relationship.
Advocate for a Positive School Climate
You are probably not alone in your feelings that the place you learn is not supportive of all learners. Schools are putting more attention to “social and emotional learning” and “positive behavior interventions and supports.” So talk to a school leader or counselor about your school’s plans to improve “school climate,” and if they don’t have a plan, organize a group of students to ask for one!