Accepting Feedback

 

Accepting Feedback 

One of the things I have learned as an Educational Assistant is that there is always something new to learn from the people around me. I have received constructive feedback from other EAs about different ways to approach and support students, and I have learned to listen to those suggestions rather than thinking that there is only one way to handle a situation. 

One example has been working with students who elope or try to leave the classroom or school area. These situations can become stressful very quickly, and I have learned that it is important to stay calm, follow the student's safety plan, and communicate with the rest of the school team. Other EAs have suggested different approaches based on their previous experiences with particular students. Instead of taking this feedback personally, I ask questions and try to understand why they would approach the situation differently. I have learned that another EA may notice something that I did not notice or may have experience with a strategy that I have not tried before. 

I have also received feedback about physical support and lifting procedures. Different students have different needs, and the safest way to assist one student may not be the same as the safest way to assist another. Working with other EAs has helped me understand the importance of following the students' established procedures and being willing to learn a different technique. 

I have had positive experiences with my parents as well. I see my parents regularly, and I have been fortunate to develop good relationships with them. These interactions have taught me that communication and professionalism are important because parents trust the school team to support their children. 

The biggest lesson I have learned from receiving feedback is that feedback is not about being right or wrong; it is about finding better ways to support the student. I try to listen, ask questions, collaborate, and then put feedback into practice. I know I am not perfect, and I don't expect to know everything. My goal is to keep learning and improving. 

In the future, I will continue to actively seek feedback from teachers, SERTs, EAs, and other members of the school team. I believe that being open to feedback makes me a better EA and, most importantly, helps me provide safer, more consistent, and more effective support for my students.