Competent Communication

Competent communication is the ability to get your message across effectively. As I begin learning ways to become a better communicator with the students I teach, the families and community members I partner with, and other educational professionals I interact with, I am eager to learn more of about direct/indirect, verbal/nonverbal concepts of communication. This week I got a chance to observe my communication from colleagues. One of the teachers sent out a letter, to the parents of the students she work with, to inform them that she will be resigning from teaching and transitioning to administration at a different campus. By providing the parents with a letter, showed concern and respect. She also explained, one on one, with her colleagues about the opportunity. Some coworkers were glad for her and expressed how they would miss her but wished her the best on her new job. Other coworkers wasn't too excited about her leaving but were still happy for her. The teacher also discussed her new opportunity with her students. Of course they don't want their teacher to leave. As she reminded them each day leading up to her last day, she introduced their new teacher to them. While she was training the new teacher to replace her, she also allowing the children to familiarize themselves with her. This was to make the transition smoother. I definitely like how she took time to inform the students, parents, and staff of the decision she made to advance in her career. She took time to answer questions and to explain in depth what this means for her and her family. I witnessed the bittersweetness of her having to leave a job she devoted five years to for a major career move to help her continue her devotion to early learning.  I too want to effectively engage in competent communication through the relationships I will encounter as I continue advocating for young learners.