- Learn School Policies. You need to know what the administration expects from students and staff in regard to areas of school life.
- Learn Work Rules. These rules effect and direct your job and employment, e.g. applying for vacation time or taking a sick day.
- Discuss Expectations. Within the first few days, talk to your fellow employees. Ask them what their expectations on the job are. Tell them what your job expectations are. This helps you as a member of a positive employee team.
- Plan Your Work. You will want to be organized and have "all bases covered." What you do during the first week or two will help establish expectations of your value as a team employee.
- Learn Names. As quickly as possible, learn the names of your unit coworkers. Once this is done learn the names of other worksite personnel.
- Be Consistent. Begin the year with confidence in yourself and in your ability to do your job and become better at it. Be firm in your belief of yourself and your abilities.
- Deal with Disruptive Student Behavior. Know your school policies. Ask for clarification of the policies before events occur. Remember that 89% of violent acts that occur in schools occur outside the classroom. These are the areas where ESP employees are found. By knowing and enforcing school safety policies, you are contributing to the overall quality of the school. In a tense situation, the use of humor might be the best course of action. When a possible challenge is perceived, humor can be used to negate the challenge. Don't be ashamed or hesitant to ask for help. Association representatives and other school employees are there to help-use them.
- Schedule When Necessary. Many employees are successful when they regularly plan meeting their work responsibilities. Your first few weeks are crucial to your career. Using administrative guidance, plan, plan, and plan again for this time period. Then follow through. It will demonstrate your interest and value. As you gain experience in your job, the planning will become easier. It will lead to recognition of your abilities.
