Exceeding Expectations: The Benefits of Organizational Citizenship Behaviors in the Classroom

Abstract

Discussion Board Topic B Organizational citizenship behaviors are behaviors that go above and beyond the expected task responsibility of the job, but I do think it is important that these types of behaviors are promoted and exceeded. I work with severe special needs students as a teacher’s assistant and just recently the teacher of the classroom was going on a month-long vacation. I was asked if I felt comfortable to step in as the teacher and fill the role of acting teacher for the month that he was gone. I was asked to complete progress reports and report cards for 6 students. I sat in on IEP meets for 4 students and I ran lessons each day for the students. Now, none of this is in my job description but because I stepped in and exceeded these qualities and overall efficiency it helped the classroom still run smoothly and the students stayed focused on their academics. My overall performance was tested and when my boss came in and examined a lesson that I was teaching he pulled me off to the side and explained to me that I was far exceeding his expectations and that he wanted me to pursue a career as a teacher. With me stepping up and taking initiative the other staff that works with me on a daily he has also stepped up and put in extra work with lesson planning and has done a great job. With the main teacher going on vacation, it has opened a door for both the paraprofessional and me as the teacher’s assistant. This has helped both of us with organizational citizenship behaviors and I explained to him when we have positive attitudes and positive work ethics it rubs off on others around us. When people are negative and do...