INFORMING SCHOOL PERSONNEL - TIPS FOR TEACHERS

Tips for Teachers

1. Educate yourself about the specific disease. Be sure to use current material.

2. Reach out to the parents; don't be afraid to call and express your concern.

3. Invite the parents and student, before s/he returns, to school to discuss their concerns and yours.

4. Be sure to inform classmates about the situation (with the student's permission). Answer questions honestly and simply while remaining upbeat. Suggest ways for classmates to help: send cards, visit student at the hospital or home, send an email note, make a phone call.

5. Prepare the classmates for any physical changes such as hair loss, weight loss or gain, loss of a limb. Let them learn about these things, and then DO NOT ALLOW TEASING.

6. Be sensitive to the student's needs. The returning student may need to rest from time to time, may be moody due to medication or treatment effects, may need extra fluids, snacks, or special bathroom privileges.

7. Treat the student as normally as possible and try to encourage class participation.

8. Adjust lesson plans or assignments to accommodate the student's ability to complete them.

9. Ask the school nurse to alert the parents if any infectious disease (chicken pox, flu, strept throat) breaks out in the classroom.

10. Share information about this student with colleagues and substitutes.

11. Ask the parent for permission to contact the medical care team to get additional information (general information if not patient specific). Ask if they have a school program to educate the classroom or can suggest resources.

From: http://webbugs.wustl.edu/backtoschool/sb.htm

Under construction. Last update 12/9/05