Having Independence at Work and A Boss Who's One of Us
Gut am Arbeitgeber finde ich
I feel that our boss is "one of us". Having had the first-hand experience as a teacher/educator herself for years, she knows what we all go through on a day-to-day basis as employees, so she tries to listen to us and provides our needs whenever she can.
Schlecht am Arbeitgeber finde ich
It may be due to a lack of educators available, especially on days when some teachers are absent, I have to say that though we are still able to handle things, the strain on those who are left for the day could be more. With some of my colleagues, we don't feel their initiative to help, and the assigned leader should be more assertive in assigning tasks. Our employer should encourage Team Spirit more and make helping others a "culture" in the Kita wherein people don't have to be told on what to do especially when they see help is urgently needed.
Verbesserungsvorschläge
I am glad that we get our employer's support but I also suggest that an Open-Door Policy be encouraged. Employees should have the choice to discuss any job-related issues or concerns to any senior-level managers or administrators they feel comfortable talking with and not just their immediate superiors. (Even parents are able to direct their concerns to any of the personnel or managers). After all, we all just want what's good for the improvement of our working place where we can all work "HAPPY".
Arbeitsatmosphäre
At Early Bird Club, our employer usually tells us what to do and subtly corrects us NOT by telling but by showing and setting examples. As much as possible, she greets and talks to the kids and their parents as they enter our Kita, setting up a mood of comfort and rapport. Because of this, I see our Kita in Vaihingen as a home, and it's great that all teachers know every child and greet them and their parents like part of a small community, even a family.
Kommunikation
I feel that our boss is "one of us". Having had the first-hand experience as a teacher/educator herself for years, she knows what we all go through on the day-to-day basis as employees, so she tries to listen to us and provides our needs. However, I must suggest that an Open-Door Policy be encouraged.
Kollegenzusammenhalt
Most days for me are great and we are able to end the day smoothly. The "busy-ness" of doing all the different responsibilities at the Kita is a motivator for me: It feels good to complete tasks one by one. There are some days though when it gets stressful especially when two or more teachers would suddenly fall ill or need to be away (especially during days when most of the children are present and there are not enough people to do the other duties like preparing the meals, cleaning and doing the laundry). Despite this, I am still glad that most of my colleagues would talk with one another on how to still make everything go smoothly by giving support or assistance (like one teacher would be assigned to help with the group with the most number of kids) and even the group leader would help out in the cleaning duties. However, teachers should have more initiative in helping out especially if they see that other teachers need help.
Work-Life-Balance
After work, we get to enjoy other things. We still receive some text messages but we are often not required to read and respond to them unless it's about an urgent situation.
Vorgesetztenverhalten
I think the assigned leader/supervisor should also be more assertive in designating duties especially when it's urgent.
Interessante Aufgaben
Our employer gives us the independence to be creative in designing our own lessons and we are able to make our own decisions with the given trust as educators.
Arbeitsbedingungen
So far I like the routine and order we have. Teachers are given preparation time. It's just that this gets off-the-rail when a few teachers could not come to work. We have to compromise and make adjustments with our time. I enjoy making portfolios and making teaching devices for kids with the short amount of time, and I'm still glad that we are not really pressured to finish some things due to some of these every day changes. It is understood that we have to dedicate more time to the children, who are of course of utmost importance.
Gehalt/Sozialleistungen
So far, I am able to enjoy well with what I receive.
Karriere/Weiterbildung
For those teachers who are interested to take German language classes, the company pays for the tuition. There are also students who are working part-time. I haven't heard of anyone yet, but as far as continuing education is concerned (like Masters degree), I don't see a reason why the company would not allow it if it's for their teachers' career development.