Staff rapport is important. It’s super important. Do you like working in an uncomfortable environment with people you don’t like? Heck no! You’d prefer to work in a welcoming environment with people you are friendly with. Our jobs are incredibly busy and sometimes small talk can seem like the least important thing on your to do list. Half the time when my aides walk into my classroom in the morning, I am knee deep in velcro that I barely remember to say good morning. But you shouldn’t underestimate or undervalue the importance of those simple steps to creating a positive work environment!
It always feels good to be told you are doing a good job. Make sure your staff know that they are appreciated!
If you want your classroom to function as a team – you need to treat everyone as a member of a team. It’s frustrating to feel unheard, so make sure nobody in your room feels that way!
This may seem obvious but it’s funny how the easiest step is the one that we tend to forget. Get to know your staff personally. If you are worried that chatting time will overtake your classroom – keep the boundaries clear. Only engage in small talk when students are not in the room, during lunch, or at the end of the day!
With some staff members, creating this loving rapport is not so easy. There may be conflict, disagreements, or negative attitudes in the way. Above everything make sure that you are behaving in a respectful manner at all times, no matter what. Rise above everything else. You are the manager in the room and you need to set the tone of respect.
Our jobs can be extremely challenging (to put it nicely). Your husband, best friend, mom etc may not be able to empathize or understand when you vent about your bad day. Your staff gets it. They are in the trenches right there with you and probably have the battle wounds to prove it. Use those hard moments as an opportunity to bond. But be sure to not let it evolve into a b$&#ch session. Share your feelings about your classroom challenges and as the leader of your team – put a positive spin on it (How will we handle this next time? At least this didn’t happen. We are the toughest group in our school! etc.)
Latest posts by Sasha Long, M.A., BCBA (see all)
- Planning for the Fall: Part 4 and 5 – Visually Structured Tasks and Routines - January 30, 2026
- Using TAH Curriculum for Homeschooling from a Homeschooling Parent - September 10, 2022
- Using The Autism Helper Curriculum for Homeschool - August 8, 2022
8 Responses
Thanks! Great advice! All three of my aides are older than I am and I couldn’t do my job without them!
Right!? We NEED them! 🙂
I manage a unit with 5 TAs who are amaxing but one of them is very passive aggressive towards me, as she doesn’t like some of the changes I have brought in. It’s making for an uncomfortable working environment for me as I don’t want to lose her as an Aide, she’s very good. Thoughts??
Hmm.. That’s so tricky. I’m super non-confrontational so this would be hard for me about what about sitting down with her alone and calling out the elephant in the room? Maybe it would do some good to air grievances of maybe she has some feedback that can be helpful. I think it can be done in a positive and respectful way – like “Hey, I have gotten some weird vibes from you and just want to check in to make sure everything is okay. You are a great part of our team and don’t want you to be unhappy.” Something like that?
I have two EAs. One I love and the other not so much. We have had multiple meetings. I have put in a ton of time and energy into trying to make it work. I think sometimes it just isn’t a good fit. When I say a good fit, I mean with the students as well. They have to respect the EA as much as they do the teacher and vice versa the EA must respect the students.
You are totally right. Sometimes it’s just not a good fit. Ideally the students will view all the EAs as teachers as well and respect them as much as they do their teacher – but… that doesn’t always happen. Are you able to do any staff changes for next year?
Thanks for sharing this! I always let people know that I could not do my job if it weren’t for my assistants! They are underpaid and honestly do this job because they love the students! I make a meal for my staff on “movie day” each month. I will also occasionally get them gift cards just to say thanks!
But most important is that they know what their part is in your classroom and responsibilities for that day/week. They need to feel like they contribute each day. I always meet with my staff at the beginning of the year to discuss changes and we have been together long enough that they now say how they feel about some of my “bright” ideas (in a respectful way…smile) They have to put my plans into action so it is important that they feel comfortable to offer ideas (even when I may not want to hear them…smile) and often the collaboration helps us all feel comfortable with doing the plans.
Thanks for what you share!
Love this! It’s so important to make sure everyone feels like a meaningful member of the team. Sounds like you have done such a great job of creating that environment for your staff!