Teachers are struggling to advocate for their students. How can assertiveness make a difference?

One thing I’ve found helpful is that, a teacher who is assertive offers the best chance of sharing beliefs and opinions given that most individuals respond well to positive communication.However,assertive communication isn’t universal which implies that one may consider it as positive behavior while another may not see it as such.People should rather focus on assertiveness skills that fit the unique personalities and needs of everyone.Assertiveness enables teachers to engage in a professional and confident manner with all colleagues to gain positive outcomes.It also helps learners develop positive and respectful relationships with teachers.

Assertiveness should be goal-oriented in terms of the philosophy, vision and mission of appropriate curriculum needed to groom the students. Students should be taught how to stand up for themselves by advocating for their needs in institutions of higher education.

Understanding the basics of assertiveness is essential. Teachers who can express their thoughts and concerns confidently and respectfully are better equipped to advocate for their students. This foundational skill helps in setting clear boundaries and communicating needs without aggression or passivity which help students.

Un docente debe saber administrar su voz, el tono en cuanto a gravedad y agudeza, así como pausas para inducir el pensamiento y marcar conceptos o ejemplos clave. Esto debe ser también un complemento del lenguaje corporal.

Being assertive isn’t just about being loud or aggressive. It’s about being clear, confident, and respectful in the way you communicate. It’s about standing up for what you believe in, and doing it in a way that inspires others to listen and take action. Teachers have an incredible opportunity to model assertiveness for their students, and to show them how to navigate the world with confidence and grace.

La voz es una herramienta fundamental para cualquier docente. La manera en que un docente utiliza su voz puede influir significativamente en el ambiente de aprendizaje, la atención de los estudiantes y la efectividad de la enseñanza. Una voz cálida y entusiasta puede motivar a los estudiantes y crear un ambiente acogedor. Por el contrario, un tono monótono o demasiado severo desmotivar y causa desinterés. La voz del docente es mucho más que un medio para transmitir conocimientos; es una herramienta poderosa que influye en el aprendizaje, la atención, y la dinámica de la clase.

A voz do professor é um dos grandes instrumentos de trabalho que ele possui. Usá-la de maneira adequada é necessária para criar ambientes de ensino aprendizados saudáveis e inclusivos, de forma que o aluno não se sinta intimidado e/ou coagido, ao perceber tons mais graves na voz do professor; ou até mesmo não entender a mensagem a ser transmitida de forma clara e precisa, pelo uso de tons muito baixos ou falta de clareza ao falar. Desta forma, equilibrar estes fatores físico é crucial para maximizar as oportunidades de comunicação no contexto educacional.

Building confidence in students depends upon style of pedagogy. Students should be taught simple methods of research to cross-check on the quality of knowledge they're being taught. Students should be encouraged to participate in workshops, conferences and seminars as ways of building confidence.

Building confidence is essential for teachers struggling to advocate for their students. By believing in their own expertise and value as educators, they can assert their professional opinions with conviction. Setting clear goals, seeking professional development, and collaborating with colleagues can strengthen their knowledge and skills, making their assertions more compelling. With increased confidence, teachers can effectively express the needs and rights of their students, navigating through challenges and securing the best educational outcomes.

Nothing happens successfully if you don't trust yourself and are aware that in this world the only thing that will happen is what you believe will happen. That is why one of the phrases I repeat to my students is "Believe it and Build it".

To advocate effectively, you must believe in your own expertise and value as an educator. This confidence allows you to assert your professional opinions without second-guessing yourself. Start by setting clear goals for your advocacy efforts and prepare to articulate them. Whether it's through professional development workshops or collaboration with colleagues, strengthening your knowledge and skills will bolster your confidence and make your assertions more compelling

A teacher is always there to build confidence to their learners. Sometimes learners are sceptical on certain issues around the school but it is the duty of the teacher to ensure students remain confident both in the school and in their learning.

Effective assertiveness involves more than just talking – it also involves listening. And being able to listen to others’ viewpoints without getting defensive or shutting down is crucial to navigating conflict in a productive way. Using “I” statements is a great way to make sure you’re expressing your perspective without accusing or blaming others. And seeking solutions that satisfy everyone can be challenging, but it’s so worth it when you can find a middle ground that works for everyone. Remember, advocacy is a skill that takes practice.

¿La organización que forma a los maestros se ocupa de la asertividad? Si la organización que contrata a los docentes no es asertiva, expulsará de uno u otro modo a los maestros asertivos y sacrificará parte de los objetivos educacionales, a la vez que propiciará la escuela como un campo de batalla y las familias no podrán delegar la educación de sus hijos con tranquilidad. Si los maestros no son asertivos, será evidencia de las falencias de los procesos de formación e instalación docente, los objetivos educacionales también se verán sacrificados y la escuela no será un buen lugar para convivir, aprender ni confiar a los hijos.

I agree. Appropriate assertiveness will help teachers advocate for their students. Teachers should be networking and also utilizing community resources to build an alliance with others with similar goals and beliefs to develop an effective group to help their students succeed.

A construção de redes colaborativas emerge como estratégia fundamental para a efetivação pedagógica. Ao unir forças com outros educadores, pais e membros da comunidade, os professores ampliam seu poder de influência, fortalecendo a voz coletiva na defesa de políticas e práticas educacionais mais justas e equitativas.

A sustentabilidade da advocacia pedagógica demanda a adoção de estratégias que promovam o bem-estar do professor e a perenidade de suas ações. A defesa de causas educacionais pode ser um processo exaustivo, tanto física quanto emocionalmente, exigindo a implementação de práticas de autocuidado e gestão de energia. A construção de redes de apoio sólidas, a definição de metas realistas e a celebração de pequenas conquistas são elementos cruciais.

No creo adecuado que los maestros tengan que abogar por sus estudiantes. Esa no sólo no es su función sino que me mueve a preguntar de qué, quién y porqué sus estudiantes necesitarían ser defendidos. Y si fuera necesario, debiera serlo sólo frente a algún hecho circunstancial que no haya podido ser debidamente administrado oportunamente. Y si no fueran hechos circunstanciales, pensaría que estamos frente a una organización no requerida en los términos de Elliot Jaques. Creo que el asertividad marca más la diferencia cuando falta que cuando está instalada y en este sentido es necesario prevenir y hacer la educación sostenible sin morir en el intento.

Using only one of these strategies won't work at most times. One might have to combine multiple of these at a single time to gain a better result "for" and "to" students. For example: Being assertive all the time won't work, one has to analyze the situation and decide whether one has to be assertive or be empathetic or something else.

Above all are valid I want to add few techniques, 1: Give clear instructions by Expressing your thoughts and feelings clearly and confidently by starting sentences with "I" (e.g., "I feel" or "I need"). Teachers always maintain eye contact to demonstrate confidence and sincerity without being aggressive. Teachers should be Active Listeners and show respect and understanding for others' viewpoints and responding appropriately. Stay calm and composed, managed the tone of your voice. Most important set clear boundaries this will ensure mutual respect.

There are numerous issues wherein the assertive advocacy on the part of teachers for the bonafide interests of the students welfare is needed. Insightful and devoted teachers genuinely struggles for the advocacy. The subject matters of advocacy includes the basic infrastructure, teaching aids, wi-fi, teaching , supervision, libraries, laboratories, even laveretories , justice and equality, ladies protection etc. For advocacy these a firm and fair stand has to be taken by the teachers either jointly or individually. I have noticed merely speaking assertively with due respect is of little help. It falls on def ear. Putting the the things systematically in writing with due courtesy highlighting the significance assertively helps.

Being assertive would be very helpful. However, focusing on your locus of control as an educator can go a long way. Noteworthy to say that you cannot help every child or solve every problem or challenge faced by every child. Leveraging on every opportunity to showcase what we do(everyday actions)and stand for(our core values), whenever we engage with parents and other stakeholders is the real deal.

In my experience as an independent teaching artist turned business owner who partners with schools and community organizations to provide dance, fitness, and theatre education, I have found that all of these are important in advocating for my students to help them reach their goals. The first thing I prioritize is listening to my students to make sure that I understand their needs and goals to help them achieve their desired outcomes. Then, I use the other tools needed to support them.