UVM AMERICA READS & COUNTS
EFFECTIVE WAYS TO WORK WITH
TEACHERS & AGENCY PROFESSIONALS
As an America Reads participant, you will be working in local schools and community agencies. As you work in these settings, you will be supporting the efforts of the people there to increase the literacy opportunities for young children and families. This is a position of great responsibility. The professionals with whom you will work will look to you as an important resource for expanding and encouraging children's literacy.

You may be observing more than participating in the first few days, but soon you will be involved in many aspects of literacy work with children. Teachers and Staff at Community Agencies will be anxious to use your talents, skills and knowledge for additional assistance and instruction for the children in their classes and programs. Our goal for you is to be as actively and thoughtfully engaged in the learning/teaching environment as possible.

Below are some suggestions (offered by Pat Nelly of Barre Town Elementary School) that can help in developing your relationship with your classroom teachers:

  • Become familiar with the teacher's instructional methods for individual and group activities.
  • Get acquainted with the instructional methods the teacher wants you to use.
  • Observe how the teacher deals with any special needs students might have.
  • If you don't understand an assignment or responsibility, ask for clarification.
  • Be a self starter. When reasonably certain of what the teacher wants done, don't wait to be told.
  • When a teacher is absent and a substitute is hired, follow your normal routine as closely as you can unless instructed otherwise.

    • Take on new responsibilities with a positive attitude.

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