ABSTRACT

One challenge we face in working with difficult teachers is knowing specifically how and when to address them about their inappropriate actions. Being able to choose the most opportune and effective time is essential. If we do not handle the initial contact in an appropriate manner, we potentially escalate the situation and it can even become a school-wide issue. There is good news and bad news about choosing when to communi­ cate with ineffective staff members about their actions . The good news is that if we miss an opportunity today, there will prob­ ably be another one tomorrow. The bad news is that if we miss an opportunity today, there will probably be another one tomor­ row. Many of our less valued teachers' inappropriate behaviors regularly recur. However, do not feel the need to rush or to im­ mediately address them regarding the issue. Often, they have repeated their behaviors for years. Though this does not make it right, it does mean that whatever they have been doing has not caused the school to close . Yet, it is also important to work to prevent it from happening again as soon as possible. Under­ stand that it is essential that you feel comfortable before you choose to approach teachers regarding their behavior. The more comfortable you feel, the more likely it is that they will feel un­ comfortable. The opposite is also true. The less prepared you

aretointeractwiththem,themorelikelytheyaretofeelem­ poweredintheconversation.Let'stakealookatascenariowe previouslydiscussedinthebookandthinkthroughhowto choosethebesttimetoapproachastaffmember.