Building the Relationship 

O Find out what each person brings to the partnership and get to know each other’s strengths.
O Understand and share personal philosophies about learning in the early years.
O Agree to have a strong commitment to maintaining a respectful professional relationship 

with the students’ best interest as the central focus.

O Remember that building a relationship takes time; you are working together to build a 

trusting, professional, and mutually respectful relationship.

Continually Communicating 

O Time to talk and collaborate is key. Set ground rules for when, where, and how you will 

communicate to ensure you respect each other’s needs and time outside working hours.

O Be proactive, before conflict happens, decide together how you will share concerns with each 

other.

O If potential conflict situations arise, make sure communication takes place away from 

students, their families, and other colleagues.

Remember… Conflict can be good. Dialoguing together can encourage discussions. Explore new 
ideas and thinking as you share your experiences from different backgrounds and situations. 

If problems arise, how can you resolve them?

1. Talk with each other first. If you have a concern, go to your partner directly. Follow the ground 

rules that you set as a team.

2. Remember, the purpose is to move forward, make sure you have this goal in mind. 

3. Presume positive intentions.

4. Be concise, state your concern, its effect on you, and what you wish to change.

5. Listen to the other person’s perspective. One person speaks at a time, avoid interrupting.

6. Stay calm despite what the other may say and avoid personalizing the situation.

7. Be willing to compromise.

8. Conclude the meeting with a specific plan for improved communication. 

Things to keep in mind:

O Focus on the issue and stick to the message.
O Choose words carefully. Avoid such words as: don’t, should, ought, always, ever, must, and 

you.

O Avoid blame, insults, put-downs, giving advice, being evaluative, or gossiping.
O Seek to understand.
O Focus your language statements on how the situation is affecting you and your ability to do 

good work for the students and the school community.

O Never undermine your partner in front of students, parents or other educators, either 

through your words, facial expressions or body language. 

66

WELCOME TO THE  

ELEMENTARY TEACHERS’ FEDERATION OF ONTARIO 

2014-2015

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