Have you ever sat in a staffroom and just listened? It can be wonderful, insightful, conflicting and, at times distressing place. It’s places where professional masks come off, where idiosyncrasies are made apparent and where occasionally (or maybe not so occasionally) personal opinions take precedence over professional practise. Staff rooms are a fascinating space. They buzz with optimism at the beginning or term and also cradle tired, weary and flu riddled heads towards the end of the term. Teachers have “their” seats, and even “their” shelves in the fridge. There’s the teacher who moonlights as a “cleaner” – things need to be stacked PERFECTLY in their place. Then there are the “microwave scheduler,” who makes sure that proper food heating procedure is adhered to, and the “tea bag teacher” who is may fall to pieces if the staffroom ever indeed ran out of the precious commodity.
It’s a confusing, wonderful and at times treacherous performance.
Staffrooms are essential.
While the staffroom provides a space for fuelling the minds of teachers, it is primarily a place to relax, unwind and let off a bit of steam.
Staffrooms are personal.
The staffroom is a place where you can interact with your colleagues. It is a space that you can put aside the curriculum conversations and talk as individuals.
Staffrooms can be dangerous
It is important to realise that the staffroom is still a professional space. I am sure that you have heard some teachers say horrible things about students in the staffroom. Remember, first and foremost you still have a responsibility to uphold the dignity of the students and the organisation you are in. No matter how frustrated you feel you do not have the right to put down a student.
What have some of your staffroom experiences been?