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'Experts'
give on-the-job training
October 9, 2002 Seventeen unionists went through summer 'train-the-trainer' program for the first time. Photo by Betsy Sandberg. After 18 years as a secretary in the Union-Endicott district near Binghamton, Rosanne Brunner knows what it's like to be on the front lines. "Secretaries are often the first contact person for the public and our co-workers," Brunner said. "We have to know how to handle questions." When she saw that her statewide union, New York State United Teachers, needed members from the School-Related Professional ranks to be trained to help colleagues improve their skills, she signed up. This summer, Brunner was one of 42 SRP members around the state who completed training to become a workshop presenter through the statewide union's Education and Learning Trust's Professional Development Program. It started two years ago after surveys found that support staff were not getting the professional development they needed, and they welcomed training by SRPs for SRPs. Now 10 workshops are offered, such as how to manage student behavior on buses and in the classroom, how secretaries communicate a positive image to the public and how to prevent exposure to bloodborne diseases. Also, workshops for those who provide support services to students with special needs include disability awareness, working safely with disabled students and using the Individualized Education Program to support instruction. Workshops are available for conference days, union events, teacher center programs and other staff development opportunities. For information, call the Education and Learning Trust at (800) 528-6208 and ask for the SRP Professional Development Program. A popular workshop is "Skills for Effective Communication," where staffers practice strategies in responding to difficult situations and interacting with students, colleagues and parents. "So many of our problems on the job stem from a failure to communicate," said Brunner, a member of the Union-Endicott Office Personnel Association. "You learn a lot on the job, but it's excellent when someone from the ranks can provide training." Mary Ellen O'Hare, a teacher assistant in the Pine Bush schools, agreed. "I have found it extremely helpful for any time you deal with students, whether in the classroom, in the halls or in the cafeteria," said O'Hare, president of the Pine Bush SRP Association who has presented the workshop in Hudson Valley districts. "Communicating is more than saying the right words." "Good listening comes first and foremost," Brunner said. One thing she learned about dealing with angry people is "you repeat what you thought you heard. Paraphrase for them what the issue or complaint is." Practicing that strategy is a featured part of the workshop, which will be offered during the union's annual SRP leadership conference in Lake Placid this month. Besides offering a statewide conference, NYSUT supports locals that send SRP members to the American Federation of Teachers professional development conference for school support staff. The AFT is NYSUT's national affiliate. - Betsy Sandberg |
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