Articles and Advice

This page will be your go-to resource for in-depth articles and expert tips tailored to the ever-changing needs of school-based professionals. Drawing from our own experiences and insights from specialists in the field, we’ll share practical strategies and advice to support you throughout the school year. Whether it’s tackling back-to-school transitions, managing IEP season, or navigating end-of-year burnout, you’ll find valuable guidance to help you and your students thrive. Check back regularly for fresh content designed just for you!

• March Article: Handling Conflict in the Workspace

  Navigating workplace challenges requires professionalism and composure, even in tough conversations. Staying calm, encouraging open dialogue, and actively listening can foster collaboration and effective problem-solving. This article outlines key strategies, including the D.E.A.R. approach, to help you communicate effectively, resolve conflicts, and build stronger working relationships.

  1. Encourage open communication - Voice that your goal is to find a solution to this issue together, to encourage a sense of collaboration (working together versus working against). Create a space where both parties feel comfortable to share their views, concerns, and thoughts on the matter. 

  2. Elevate by being an active listener! - Active listening is crucial in effective communication as it fosters understanding, builds trust, and enhances relationships. By fully engaging with someone, you demonstrate respect for their thoughts and feelings. Simple ways to demonstrate active listening include maintaining eye contact (if that feels comfortable to you), nodding to show acknowledgement, paraphrasing what they have said to confirm understanding, and asking open-ended questions that encourage further dialogue. These techniques not only clarify the message being conveyed but also signal to them that their input is valued, promoting a more collaborative and supportive environment.

  3. Encourage both parties to suggest potential solutions to help foster a sense of teamwork  and ‘togetherness.’ 

     1. Try the D.E.A.R. strategy for calmly communicating your side to ask for what you want

     2. D: Describe just the facts! Don’t mention feelings or emotions, just describe the facts of the situation (e.g. “I noticed that I keep getting invited for IEP meetings that are scheduled during therapy sessions I have with students”)

     3. E: Express your feelings - *now* mention how the fact of this situation make you feel, along with why it makes you feel that way (“When this happens it makes me feel stressed, because I need to rearrange my therapy schedule or possibly miss participating in the IEP meeting”)

     4. A: Assert and state what it is you want in a calm, professional manner (“I’d really love to have these meetings scheduled during my prep period, so I am able to attend without having rearrange my therapy schedule.”)

     5. R: Reinforce this request by highlighting how it could be beneficial to both parties, and to students! (“It really would be a win-win situation - I will be less stressed and more present for meetings that I can attend, and also will be able to directly share my information with the whole team. It’s also better for my students to have routine in their therapy schedule as much as possible”) 

  4. Seek compromise - Sometimes you might need to give to get! Aim to find a solution that addresses the interests of both parties. Be open to finding middle ground.

  5. Set clear expectations - Once a resolution has been agreed upon, clarify the steps each party will take moving forward to prevent future misunderstandings. It might also help to have this portion in writing (email, or a document) to refer back to later together, if needed (consider making a “SparkNotes Summary” of the conversation and agreement moving forward to)

  6. Follow up - After the conflict is resolved, check in with each other to ensure that the solution is working and that no new issues have arisen. If new issues start to arise, consider handling them immediately before they grow or evolve.

  7. Involve a mediator if necessary- We truly believe in you and your communication skills! We always encourage you to connect with your direct onsite supervisor first, but also know we’re here to support you if you run into any challenges or if you’d like more tips for navigating tricky situations. Don't hesitate to reach out!