How to Handle the Boss

I've had soooooooo many experiences in dealing with various administrators both as a advisor and union representative.

Preparational advice I would like to share:

1. Always ask what they want to speak about before meeting with them, most of the time they will let you know. If they say "I'll tell you when you come in" then tell them if you don't know what they want to talk about then you won't be able to respond to any questions they might have if you don't have information at hand.

2. Ask your union rep to be there just to have a third party and let them know you'll be bringing them in. Most contracts give you that right.

3. If you know that your students are going to be doing something that an uptight administrator will spaz over or that could cause some head turning then gather your support from others such as the parents and alumni association if your school has one before hand.

4. Prepare your points before and have them with you.

5. Remain standing if they sit...it will give you a sense of authority.

6. If it's regarding the newspaper then call Student Press Law Center for guidance.

7. Send an email out to surrounding advisors in your district and ask them for advice and guidance. Maybe they have had experience similar to yours.

8. If you belong to JEA then place your question or situation on the listserv and many other advisors will respond with advice.

9. If at any time they begin to raise their voice, use unprofessional language or become aggravated then simply tell them you are choosing to discuss the matter the following day or later on. You can tell them you have another appointment that you can't miss to have them become more upset. Another tactic is to have someone call you on your cell within 15 minutes and tell the administrator you have to leave. Most of the time administrators will want to speak with you after school. If they try to get you during your prep tell them you have something going on. If before school then tell them that doesn't work for you.

10. Always be aware of what students are placing in the paper. Yes, I know that they are guiding
themselves but staying aware of what is being done should be a responsibility.

11. In the proposed situation about pregnancy I as the advisor would have asked the yearbook staff to place their piece or page celebrating teen mothers in the school newspaper senior edition
explaining to the yb staff the reasons and hoping they would agree.

12. If they threaten to take your funding away respond that it's their decision but you as the advisor will have to inform the parents about why there will no longer be a yearbook.

13. If they threaten to write you up then calmly tell then you are using your right to stop the meeting and have your union representative present.

14. If during any meeting you feel like your getting flustered or might lose it then excuse yourself to go to the restroom but only if you are willing to continue with the meeting. If not then stop the meeting.

15. Go in cool, calm and speak in a confident voice. If you don't have an answer let the admin know you will get back to them with one.
You can write down their questions and read them aloud back to them.

REMEMBER - DON'T GIVE AWAY THE FARM!!!!

L. Gabriel Senteno

San Diego High

San Diego, Ca.