Rapport

So many things came to mind while I was reading this chapter!

I try very hard to build a good rapport with parents and teachers. It's so important! I had a parent call Wednesday before Thanksgiving and she was a little heated. She wanted another IEP meeting (we just met a month ago) She was upset about something from over a year ago and wanted a couple of things added to her son's IEP and was upset about her son's teacher writing that he was in 5th grade instead of 7th grade. I was able to talk to her, write down what she wanted, and let her know that I would work on those things and get back to her after vacation on Tuesday. I found out later that she had been talking to a VERY DIFFICULT parent who is VERY involved with DDServices and has the head guy at every meeting and we meet every two to three weeks on her son.

Anyway, I was able to set up a homework check for this student, help him organize his binder, talk with the teacher about the 5th grade thing (which was totally an accident, she taught 5th grade last year) took care of the item from over a year ago and called her back on Tuesday and we had a quick meeting over the phone and I sent paperwork home with her son that afternoon.

This took A LOT of my time those two days, BUT I was able to calm this parent, avoid a meeting, and build a rapport with her that others had not been able to do. She was thrilled with the results and I think I would be able to call her any time I need to.

I also am working on building rapport with the teachers. They need to know that their time is valued. This is why I don't schedule meetings during their prep or breaks.

As I was reading, I kept thinking that it was strange that the kids all had to introduce themselves around the room. New kids were few and far between and I knew EVERYONE in my school. Not only did I know everyone, I knew their parents, siblings, boyfriend/girlfriend, and if they had a car I knew their license plate number! I love how Dave starts off his first three days. Oh to be a student in that class! What an adventure!