Week 1: Program Introduction & Workplace Foundations
Session 1
1. Program Overview and Expectations
Program Goal
Prepare participants for employment in non-instructional school roles by developing workplace readiness, communication skills, customer service competencies, safety awareness, and school-based knowledge necessary to support students and staff in K–12 educational settings.
Target Roles
Training & Certifications
Required
Optional
2. Overview of Non-Instructional School Positions
Cafeteria Monitor
A Cafeteria Monitor is a school support staff member responsible for supervising students during meal periods and helping maintain a safe, orderly, and positive cafeteria environment.
Key Responsibilities
Skills Needed
Work Environment
Cafeteria Monitors work in K–12 schools, primarily in cafeterias, lunchrooms, multipurpose rooms, and surrounding hallways during meal periods. They frequently interact with students, teachers, administrators, and food service personnel.
Sample Position Description
Cafeteria Monitor: Responsible for supervising students during meal periods, maintaining a safe and orderly cafeteria environment, enforcing school rules, and supporting positive student behavior while ensuring the well-being of all students during breakfast and lunch service.
This role is often an entry-level school support position and can provide a pathway to other school-based employment opportunities.
Food Service Associate
A Food Service Associate is a school support staff member responsible for assisting with the preparation, serving, and distribution of meals while maintaining food safety, sanitation, and customer service standards in a school cafeteria or food service operation.
Key Responsibilities
Skills Needed
Work Environment
Food Service Associates work in K–12 school cafeterias, kitchens, and food preparation areas. The position requires standing for extended periods, lifting food supplies and equipment, working in fast-paced environments, and interacting regularly with students and school staff.
Sample Position Description
Custodian
A Custodian is a school support staff member responsible for maintaining a clean, safe, sanitary, and functional learning environment for students, staff, and visitors. Custodians help ensure that school buildings, grounds, and facilities are properly cleaned, maintained, and prepared for daily operations and special events.
Key Responsibilities
Skills Needed
Work Environment
Custodians work throughout K–12 school buildings and grounds, including classrooms, restrooms, cafeterias, gyms, offices, and outdoor areas. The role often involves physical activity such as lifting, bending, standing, climbing stairs, and operating cleaning equipment. Work schedules may include early morning, daytime, evening, or overnight shifts depending on district needs.
Position Description
Custodian: Responsible for maintaining the cleanliness, safety, and appearance of school facilities through routine cleaning, sanitation, building support, and minor maintenance activities. Ensures that school environments are clean, healthy, and ready to support teaching, learning, and school operations.
Custodians play a critical role in supporting student achievement and staff productivity by maintaining healthy, safe, and welcoming learning environments. Their work contributes directly to school safety, infection prevention, facility preservation, and the overall success of the school community.
Other School Support Roles
3. Understanding the Mission of Schools�
The Mission of Schools�
Discussion Question:�How does a cafeteria monitor, custodian, or food service associate contribute to student success?
4. Professional Conduct in Educational Settings��
Professional Conduct in Educational Settings
The behaviors, attitudes, and ethical standards expected of all school employees when working with students, families, and colleagues. It ensures a safe, respectful, and effective learning environment.
Core Standards of Professional Conduct
1. Respectful Behavior
Example:�Speaking calmly and respectfully to a student, even when correcting behavior.
2. Appearance and Personal Presentation
3. Punctuality and Reliability
4. Safety and Responsibility
5. Career Interest Assessment���
Career Interest Assessment: Non-Instructional School Support Roles�
This assessment helps participants identify which school support roles best match their interests, strengths, and work style. There are no right or wrong answers, only preferences that help guide career direction within school settings.
Section A: Helping Students & Supervision (Student-Facing Roles)
Rate each statement:
Possible Career Matches:
Section B: Food Service & Hospitality
Rate each statement:
Possible Career Matches:
Section C: Facilities & Maintenance
Rate each statement:
Possible Career Matches:
Section D: Office & Administrative Support
Rate each statement:
Possible Career Matches:
Section E: Safety, Transportation & School Support Systems
Rate each statement:
Scoring Guide
Add your scores in each section:
Your highest-scoring sections suggest roles that may fit you best.
Reflection Questions�
After scoring, answer:
6. Discussion: “What Makes a Successful School Employee?”����
Discussion Prompts
Session 2
1. Professional Behavior and Attendance����
Professional Behavior
Professional behavior means acting in a way that is respectful, responsible, and appropriate for a school setting.
What it looks like:
Key Idea:
Attendance
Being present, on time, and ready to work consistently.
What it looks like:
Key Idea:
Why It Matters
Good behavior and attendance:
2. Time Management and Organization����
Time Management
The ability to use your time effectively to complete tasks, meet expectations, and stay productive throughout the workday.
Good Time Management Includes:
Key Idea: Schools operate on schedules, so managing time effectively helps everything run smoothly.
Organization
The ability to keep materials, information, and workspaces orderly and easy to manage.
Good Organization Includes:�
Key Idea: Being organized reduces mistakes and improves efficiency.
Why These Skills Matter
Effective time management and organization help employees:
Discussion Questions
3. Workplace Ethics and Accountability����
Workplace Ethics and Accountability
The importance of making responsible decisions, acting with integrity, and taking ownership of your actions in the workplace.
What Are Workplace Ethics?
Workplace ethics are the values and principles that guide professional behavior and decision-making at work.
Ethical Behavior Includes:
Key Idea: Ethical employees build trust and contribute to a positive work environment.
What Is Accountability?
Accountability means taking responsibility for your actions, decisions, and job duties.
Accountability Includes:
Key Idea: Accountable employees are dependable and trusted by supervisors and coworkers.
Examples of Ethical and Accountable Behavior�
Ethical Behavior
Accountability
Discussion Questions
4. Workplace Scenarios����
Scenario 1: Running Late
You are scheduled to start work at 7:00 a.m., but traffic is causing a delay and you will arrive 15 minutes late.
Discussion Questions
Key Point: Notify your supervisor as soon as possible and provide an estimated arrival time.
Scenario 2: Student Needs Assistance
A student approaches you and says they are lost and do not know where to go.
Key Point: Remain calm, assist appropriately, and follow school procedures.
Scenario 3: Safety Concern
You notice a wet floor in a hallway where students are walking.
Key Point: Report the hazard and take appropriate action to prevent injuries.
Scenario 4: Disagreement with a Coworker
A coworker becomes upset and disagrees with how a task should be completed.
Key Point: Remain respectful, focus on the task, and avoid arguments.
Scenario 5: Following Instructions
Your supervisor asks you to complete a task you have never done before.
Discussion Questions
Key Point: Ask for clarification and follow instructions carefully.
Scenario 6: Confidential Information
You overhear information about a student and another employee asks you about it.
Discussion Questions
Key Point: Respect confidentiality and follow school policies.
5. Burlington English Lesson
Responsibility and Integrity: https://app.burlingtonenglish.com/courses/34/icl/1635/activity/5057
Complete each activity. Skip activity #3.