Sentences with phrase «maintain skilled teachers»

Not exact matches

Prior to joining the Brooklyn faculty in 2016, she was a member of the faculty for nine years at The Waldorf School of Garden City, where she served as a class teacher, mentor, and lower school chair, and where her ability to plan, organize, and maintain a high level of executive functioning skills, within both her personal class preparation and her classes themselves, were highly recognized.

Three important ingredients necessary to helping schools tackle religious discrimination are to challenge the labels that divide; to support teachers to set, manage and maintain a safe space, and to develop inter-faith skills for life.

Continuing Professional Development enables teachers to maintain and enhance their knowledge and skills.

In an Instructor magazine article «How to Make Parents Your Homework Partners,» study - skills consultant Judy Dodge maintains that involving students in homework is largely the teacher's job, yet parents can help by «creating a home environment that's conducive to kids getting their homework done.»

The adventurous activities, combined with the teacher - led revision sessions, developed team skills, confidence and practical problem - solving skills, whilst maintaining motivation and commitment to studying.

It requires teachers to maintain core skills and the necessary knowledge to help students succeed throughout their academic careers.

Most of these teachers reported that they were applying their gained knowledge and skills by regularly using technology «to improve their efficiency and productivity, especially for tasks such as maintaining attendance, grades, data on students; creating instructional materials; and communicating with staff members and other colleagues» (Maryland State Department of Education, 2002, p. 2).

Teachers must develop and maintain effective classroom management skills where learning is valued, the teacher is respected, and expectations and procedures are set and met beginning on day one.

The second result is that teachers and other educators must spend instructional time, sometimes several months - worth, during the fall to work towards students regaining skills that have been lost, or at best, maintained over the summer months.

Virtual school experiences over the past decade have shown that effective virtual teachers have qualities and skills that differ from traditional face - to - face teaching, such as building and maintaining a sense of trust and community among individuals who will never meet face to face.

Congress should establish within the Elementary and Secondary Education Act a federal definition for a «highly effective teacher» that includes criteria, such as but not limited to knowledge of subject matter; skill in planning, delivering, monitoring, and assessing students» learning; skill in developing and maintaining positive relationships with students, parents, and colleagues; knowledge and skill in pedagogical methods to meet the needs of students with an array of learning styles and needs; and commitment to students» learning to their utmost potential.

Strong technical skills, particularly in integrating technology in the classroom to drive academic achievement Demonstrated volunteer or community service At least one (or more) of the following: o National Board Certificationo TAP Experience (sign on bonus for TAP certification) o Core Knowledge Experienceo Experience with Blended Learningo At least two years of successful teaching in an urban environment ESSENTIAL POSITION FUNCTIONS: An Elementary School teacher is required to perform the following duties: Plan and implement a blended learning environment, providing direct and indirect instruction in the areas of Social Studies, Science, Language Arts, Health, and Mathematics based on state standards Participation in all TAP requirements, focusing on data - driven instruction Create inviting, innovative and engaging learning environment that develops student critical thinking and problem solving skills Prepare students for strong academic achievement and passing of all required assessments Communicate regularly with parents Continually assess student progress toward mastery of standards and keep students and parents well informed of student progress by collecting and tracking data, providing daily feedback, weekly assessments, and occasional parent / teacher conferences Work with the Special Education teachers and administration to serve special needs students in the classroom Attend all grade level and staff meetings and attend designated school functions outside of school hours Establish and enforce rules for behavior and procedures for maintaining order among the students for whom you are responsible Accept and incorporate feedback and coaching from administrative staff Perform necessary duties including but not limited to morning, lunch, dismissal, and after - school duties Preforms other duties, as deemed appropriate, by the principal Dress professionally and uphold all school policies

States and districts should include multiple measures of performance, including but not limited to input measures such as evidence of a teacher's knowledge of subject matter; skill in planning, delivering, monitoring, and assessing students» learning; skill in developing and maintaining positive relationships with students, parents, and colleagues; knowledge and skill in pedagogical methods to meet the needs of students with an array of learning styles and needs; and commitment to students» learning to their utmost potential.

Teachers must have good classroom management skills and be comfortable following written lesson plans while maintaining good classroom management.

Pensar Academy seeks to proactively maintain a safe campus through social skills classes, a strict code of conduct, including a uniform policy, and zero tolerance policies in place to immediately address and extinguish student misbehavior to allow teachers to teach and students to learn.

+ Provides coaching experiences for teachers, including review of lesson delivery, providing feedback, and modeling demo lessons + Develops / curates quality instructional resources to share with teachers, including lesson plans, unit plants, and assessments + Facilitates professional development workshops for group sizes ranging up to 100 participants + Designs rich and meaningful professional development sessions aligned to math instruction + Continues own learning through research and self - driven PD to stay current of latest trends in math education + Maintains open communication with supported teachers to nurture a professional learning community of educators + Communicate actively with key stakeholders on progress of teacher development + Provides reporting documentation of services delivered, as required EDUCATION / EXPERIENCE: + BA / BS Degree in Education or related field + 4 + years of work experience teaching math in a K - 12 setting + Expert in math content at least across a 5 year grade level band (g. grades 4 — 8) + Record of result in effectively coaching teachers + Experience designing and delivering professional development for adults + Experience working in blended learning classrooms is a plus + Master's degree preferred + Excellent communication skills are essential OTHER JOB REQUIREMENTS: Some local traveling required.

Culture and Collaboration Collaborate effectively and meet frequently with the MWA Division Directors, Associate School Directors, Deans of Students, Lead Teachers, Content Leads, the other divisional DCI, and MWAS team members to successfully build capacity of Teaching Faculty and Teacher Interns Work with the Data and Assessment team to compile, analyze, and respond to data on the school's schoolwide data management and assessment systems, including oversight and implementation of the schoolwide Benchmark Assessment system Through informal observations, formal observations, and other qualitative measures, utilize approved tools and matrices to assess faculty adherence and fidelity to efficacy and growth mindset instructional practices, data - informed instructional lesson planning and practices, and cultural competence practices in working with students, faculty and families Work closely with the Director of Teacher Residency to support and inform MWA Teacher Residents with the necessary entry - level skills expected of MWA teachers; this includes working with and supporting the Mentor Teachers assigned to Teacher Residents Supervise and support New Teacher Induction Program Mentor teachers towards helping new - to - the - profession teachers in «clearing» their credential and meeting state mandates for certification; this includes support for all intern teachers Develop and maintain positive relationships with various internal & external stakeholders including administrative colleagues, parents, students, teaching faculty, support and intervention staff members, and boardTeachers, Content Leads, the other divisional DCI, and MWAS team members to successfully build capacity of Teaching Faculty and Teacher Interns Work with the Data and Assessment team to compile, analyze, and respond to data on the school's schoolwide data management and assessment systems, including oversight and implementation of the schoolwide Benchmark Assessment system Through informal observations, formal observations, and other qualitative measures, utilize approved tools and matrices to assess faculty adherence and fidelity to efficacy and growth mindset instructional practices, data - informed instructional lesson planning and practices, and cultural competence practices in working with students, faculty and families Work closely with the Director of Teacher Residency to support and inform MWA Teacher Residents with the necessary entry - level skills expected of MWA teachers; this includes working with and supporting the Mentor Teachers assigned to Teacher Residents Supervise and support New Teacher Induction Program Mentor teachers towards helping new - to - the - profession teachers in «clearing» their credential and meeting state mandates for certification; this includes support for all intern teachers Develop and maintain positive relationships with various internal & external stakeholders including administrative colleagues, parents, students, teaching faculty, support and intervention staff members, and boardteachers; this includes working with and supporting the Mentor Teachers assigned to Teacher Residents Supervise and support New Teacher Induction Program Mentor teachers towards helping new - to - the - profession teachers in «clearing» their credential and meeting state mandates for certification; this includes support for all intern teachers Develop and maintain positive relationships with various internal & external stakeholders including administrative colleagues, parents, students, teaching faculty, support and intervention staff members, and boardTeachers assigned to Teacher Residents Supervise and support New Teacher Induction Program Mentor teachers towards helping new - to - the - profession teachers in «clearing» their credential and meeting state mandates for certification; this includes support for all intern teachers Develop and maintain positive relationships with various internal & external stakeholders including administrative colleagues, parents, students, teaching faculty, support and intervention staff members, and boardteachers towards helping new - to - the - profession teachers in «clearing» their credential and meeting state mandates for certification; this includes support for all intern teachers Develop and maintain positive relationships with various internal & external stakeholders including administrative colleagues, parents, students, teaching faculty, support and intervention staff members, and boardteachers in «clearing» their credential and meeting state mandates for certification; this includes support for all intern teachers Develop and maintain positive relationships with various internal & external stakeholders including administrative colleagues, parents, students, teaching faculty, support and intervention staff members, and boardteachers Develop and maintain positive relationships with various internal & external stakeholders including administrative colleagues, parents, students, teaching faculty, support and intervention staff members, and board members

My idea is to invite teachers who are interested in being change agents to a week - long seminar with session «take - aways» focusing on: developing (and maintaining) a vision, negotiation skills, risk - taking exercises, how to build consensus, networking with other like - minded individuals, learning from others» successes, and more.

A multi-phase program that has both group and individual instruction provides teachers with skills that are maintained over time.

+ Maintain professional relationships with pupils, parents, colleagues and supervising staff members + Keep anecdotal records about student behavior and progress for use when generating IEPs and in conferences with parents Voices Academies Intervention Teacher candidates will have the following Requirements Required Qualifications: + Bachelor's degree required + CA Credential: Multiple Subject or eligible for intern credential + Valid bilingual authorization (BCLAD or equivalent, BCC, ELD, or LDS, etc.) + Knowledge of subject matter, including California Common Core Standards + Demonstrated passion for the mission, vision and values of Voices Academies with a deep commitment to improving the lives of students from low - income communities + Excellent oral and written communication skills in English and Spanish.

Teachers will perform a full range of duties, including but not limited to: + Preparing / implementing lesson plans that lead to student mastery of curriculum content, including English Language Development + Developing / implementing integrated curriculum units, differentiating and scaffolding as needed + Regularly assessing student progress to refine instruction and meet student needs + Participating regularly in professional development opportunities and collaborative meetings + Communicating frequently with students, students» families, colleagues and other stakeholders + Working closely with children and their families to promote personal growth and success + Maintaining regular, punctual attendance Applicants who possess the following skills will make the strongest candidates: + California Teaching Credential or equivalent, meeting all NCLB «highly qualified» standards + Social Science credential + CLAD / BCLAD certification (Spanish) + Demonstrated ability to implement varied classroom instructional strategies + Educational vision for and experience with low - income and / or minority students + Demonstrated track record with English language learners + Commitment to preserving the cultural heritage of students + Passion for working with children and their families + Bilingual (Spanish / English) To apply please send resume and letter of interest to: https://careers-caminonuevo.icims.com For more information www.caminonuevo.org and www.pueblonuevo.org * Camino Nuevo Charter Academy intends that all qualified persons shall have equal opportunities for employment and promotion.

While modeling a skill or task, teachers should act lively and engaged to maintain their students attention.

Specifically, the authors suggest that Twitter is useful for ongoing reflection and provides potential for preservice teachers to engage with larger communities of practice outside of their own institution; however, preservice teachers may need scaffolding and guidance for developing critical reflection skills and maintaining involvement in communities of practice.

I still maintain that you should also develop your own lesson planning skills, which will serve you well in becoming a professional teacher.

Overview A Teacher at The Goddard School is responsible for establishing and maintaining a safe... Plan and implement activities to develop children's self - esteem and social skills * Plan and...

Secondary teachers have to have command of their classroom and conflict resolution skills to maintain classroom harmony.

A good librarian is required to possess excellent organizational and communication skills to develop and maintain strong relations with students and teachers.

Seeking to obtain a rewarding position and a challenging job as a librarian in a reputed organization, where I can use my excellent organizational skills and my ability to develop and maintain strong relations with students and teachers

Mentored new teachers in developing useable lesson plans, maintaining accurate records, and establishing classroom management skills.

Geography Teachers are required to possess exceptional communication and interpersonal skills used to establish and maintain strong relations with students.

CAREER HIGHLIGHTS • Over five years» experience teaching Mathematics to students of different backgrounds • Highly skilled in planning effective classroom instructions • Hands on experience in teaching mathematical concepts to young students • In - depth knowledge of basic and advanced mathematics with a specialization in algebra • Demonstrated the ability to plan a program of study that meets the individual student's need, interest, and ability • Able to maintain a disciplined and controlled environment in the classroom • Proficient in preparing effective and appropriate lesson plans • Current teacher's license

Highlights Maintained a GPA of 3.8 over six years of undergraduate and graduate study Completed upwards of 50 hours of lab work Familiar with several methods of sample analysis including liquid chromatography and gas chromatography Took field samples and maintained a sterile environment Friendly and respectful to teachers, supervisors and fellow students Punctual Skilled at note taking and independent research Organized Willing to learn, with an abiding interest in all aspects of the field of chemistry Experience Intern 8/1/2015 — 5/1/2016 Scientific Laboratories Incorporated — Syracuse, NY Took inventory of lab equipment Followed safety and security procedures accurately when handling hazardous material Worked closely with experienced chemists and earth scientists Cleaned and sanitized lab equipment Assisted with experiments Measured and mixed compounds for experienced chemists Established a mentor relationship with laboratory manager Assisted in the writing of technicMaintained a GPA of 3.8 over six years of undergraduate and graduate study Completed upwards of 50 hours of lab work Familiar with several methods of sample analysis including liquid chromatography and gas chromatography Took field samples and maintained a sterile environment Friendly and respectful to teachers, supervisors and fellow students Punctual Skilled at note taking and independent research Organized Willing to learn, with an abiding interest in all aspects of the field of chemistry Experience Intern 8/1/2015 — 5/1/2016 Scientific Laboratories Incorporated — Syracuse, NY Took inventory of lab equipment Followed safety and security procedures accurately when handling hazardous material Worked closely with experienced chemists and earth scientists Cleaned and sanitized lab equipment Assisted with experiments Measured and mixed compounds for experienced chemists Established a mentor relationship with laboratory manager Assisted in the writing of technicmaintained a sterile environment Friendly and respectful to teachers, supervisors and fellow students Punctual Skilled at note taking and independent research Organized Willing to learn, with an abiding interest in all aspects of the field of chemistry Experience Intern 8/1/2015 — 5/1/2016 Scientific Laboratories Incorporated — Syracuse, NY Took inventory of lab equipment Followed safety and security procedures accurately when handling hazardous material Worked closely with experienced chemists and earth scientists Cleaned and sanitized lab equipment Assisted with experiments Measured and mixed compounds for experienced chemists Established a mentor relationship with laboratory manager Assisted in the writing of technical reports

• Track record of instructing students about basic sketching and contouring techniques • Well versed in evaluating students» work, charting their progress, grading assignments and guiding them regarding their weaknesses appropriately • Hands - on experience in curriculum development, lesson planning and implementation with aid of modern and effective AV aids and instructional strategies • Expert in instructing students about working in various modes including pastels, oil colors, water colors, fabric paints, charcoal and pencil • Adept at creating and maintaining a highly stimulating, inspiring and multicultural classroom environment • Proven ability to introduce novel forms of art and inculcate the same in the curriculum effectively • Demonstrated ability to enhance creativity among students by encouraging innovation, novelty and originality in their pieces of art • Familiar with various kinds of pixel sheets, sketching paper and art material, fully capable of determining age specific art material and techniques, suitable for assigned level and grades of children • Known for initiating, designing and implementing various art contests at the school to encourage a general appreciation for art among students • Competent at identifying course goals and fulfilling the same in collaboration with students, teachers and parents • Proven skills in lesson planning, curriculum implementation, technique instruction, practice facilitation and assignment communication • Profound knowledge of various advanced level 3D effect art techniques • Strong classroom management, organization and discipline control skills • Profound ability to devise innovative learning and instructional techniques to facilitate effective transfer of skill and knowledge • Proficient in use of computer to aid art work, familiar with various graphic designing and drawing enhancement software

• Assist lead teachers in planning, designing and implementing curriculum • Provide assistance in preparing lesson plans • Impart classroom instruction in accordance to lesson plans • Supervise and control students during class and when the lead teacher is not present • Assist students with carrying out classroom activities • Assist students during lunch time • Observe students for developmental issues and communicate findings to lead teachers • Implement age appropriate activities and monitor safety throughout • Research information for lesson development • Communicate progress and observations to parents • Maintain student records and perform other clerical tasks • Help in maintaining a clean and organized classroom • Ensure sanitation of all surfaces, equipment and toys • Assist students in social skills development • Assist in putting up bulletins • Accompany young students to the bathroom • Take attendance and make copies of tests • Assist in grading test papers and exams • Assist in checking work books and homework • Operate equipment such as projectors and computers for instructional purposes • Maintain appropriate classroom discipline and decorum • Prepare and distribute worksheets • Ensure that students retain information by repeating information constantly and practicing patience • Deliver instruction in the absence of lead teacher • Perform hall and bus duty as instructed by the lead teacher

Kindergarten Assistant GREAT ACADEMY, Milwaukee, WI (5/2012 to Present) • Assist lead teachers in implementing predesigned kindergarten curriculum • Provide support in creating and imparting lesson plans • Work with each student on an individual level to ensure that he or she is at par with the academic level of the class • Provide individual and group instructions to adapt the curriculum to the needs of students» intellectual levels • Help plan lessons on daily and long - range basis and conduct exercises with small groups of students • Observe and monitor student behavior and inform lead teacher of any alarming situations • Assist special needs students in learning level - appropriate skills to help them integrate into regular classes • Check students» work and ensure that it is in compliance with the lead teacher's instructions • Create and maintain records of students and ensure that they are kept confidential • Provide feedback to lead teacher for the purpose of building individual student reports

HIGHLIGHTS • Over 6 months experience working with special children • Highly skilled in perceiving the needs of children and managing their activities • Proven record of assisting lead teacher in imparting instructions, helping students, and correcting tests • Demonstrated ability work effectively with minimum supervision • Able to transfer or restrain students physically • Comprehensive knowledge of maintaining exact and timely records to support individual educational plans • Substantial knowledge of sign languages (SEE, PSE, and ASL)

• Track record of providing instructional support within special and general education classrooms as required to meet the students» needs • Skilled in student evaluation and need assessment • Substantial knowledge of and ability to cater for students» age related developmental cognitive, social and psychological needs • Proficient in facilitating the teacher in conducting classroom related activities • Expert in developing and maintaining cooperative working relationships with students and colleague teachers • Effective in devising interactive supportive learning activities to reinforce the lesson being taught • Well versed in filing in for the lead teacher in case of leave or absence and implementing the devised lesson plan effectively • Particularly effective in supervising the children during lunch and playtime, ensuring ample and healthy social interaction among peers • Competent at lesson planning, classroom control, assignment marking, lesson reinforcement and activity facilitation • Profound ability to develop need based individualized educational plans and implement the same in light of pre-determined long term learning objectives for each pupil individually • Proven skills in record keeping, developing individual student progress charts and portfolios along with demonstrated ability to maintain open communication channels with the students» parents and teachers to discuss progress • Track record of providing excellent teacher support in all classroom and lesson planning related activities • Committed to delivery of highest standards of classroom support, maintenance of an interactive atmosphere and provision of specially designed AV aids for special needs students

Staurt Day School, Madison, TN 2010 — Present School Media Specialist • Plan school media programs and work with teachers and administers to implement it effectively • Implement library media policies and select school library media program materials • Encourage students and teachers to take advantage of media programs by providing them with deep insight into the workings of the process • Maintain an efficient system for processing and cataloging library materials and equipment • Assist students in developing independent reference work and skill in researching through media resources • Counsel students and provide them with research help during with touch modules • Promote acquisition of new and advanced electronic information systems • Supervise library media aide and volunteers and oversee library study groups

• Highly skilled in providing direction to students and enable them to study independently • Well versed in utilizing various instructional equipment and Audio Visual Aids effectively to reinforce learning in the classroom • Proficient in designing and implementing supportive learning activities in collaboration with the teacher • Competent at handling and addressing behavioral problems in young learners and enhancing motivation to learn • Thorough understanding of various cognitive and psychosocial developmental milestones connected with child's age along with associated needs • Hands on experience in activity moderation, teacher's assistance and progress record keeping • Substantial knowledge of various behavior control techniques and strategies • Efficient in designing and executing individualized correctional programs • Proven ability to devise need based learning strategies for physically or mentally challenged children • Demonstrated skills in classroom organization, testing and evaluation • Track record of conducting reinforcement lessons in small groups, covering core subjects including English, math and basic sciences • Excellent skills in analyzing and evaluating the effectiveness of designed program and changing the instructional strategies based on the learner's response and progress • Expert in maintaining updated and fully structured classroom bulletin boards to facilitate learning • Adept at determining Individualized learning goals for each student and gauging progress in learning • Well practiced in communicating home assignments to students, answering their queries regarding the same and marking the work done • Effective listening skills along with profound ability to communicate clearly with students, parents and teachers involved

LEADERSHIP • Effective hiring, training, team building, and controlling skills • Highly developed verbal communication skills • Demonstrated high standard of literacy and written communication skills • Ability to maintain liaison with teachers and parents • Sound knowledge of administrative functions within a day care facility

MAJOR STRENGTHS • Well - versed with general classroom procedures and duties of a paraprofessional in an educational setting • Demonstrated ability to maintain classroom record, pupil portfolios and assessment charts in an organized manner • Effective skills in assisting the teacher in arranging extracurricular activities • Proficient in designing various «fun to learn» activities including role plays and puppetry • Profound ability to incorporate acquisition of social and moral values in playtime activities

PERFORMANCE SUMMARY: A dedicated and experienced integration aide, skilled in maintaining daily task work logs, building rapport with students and catering for their individual needs while working with the respective teacher

NSU Teacher Education Program Candidate Regularly assumed role of lead teacher; Supervised an average of 23 students in classrooms, halls, cafeterias, schoolyards and on field trips; Enforced the school's student discipline code to deal with problem situations; Preserved the confidentiality of student records and information at all times; Determined student strengths and weaknesses through STAR testing and weekly assessments; Nurtured students» desire to meet and / or surpass their Accelerated Reader goal; Set up lesson materials, bulletin board displays and demonstrations; Fostered oral language development and critical thinking skills during literary discussions; Differentiated instruction for individual student needs; Encouraged personal responsibility while maintaining positive learning environment for all learners; Maintained communication between school and parents via student planners, and parent / teacher confeTeacher Education Program Candidate Regularly assumed role of lead teacher; Supervised an average of 23 students in classrooms, halls, cafeterias, schoolyards and on field trips; Enforced the school's student discipline code to deal with problem situations; Preserved the confidentiality of student records and information at all times; Determined student strengths and weaknesses through STAR testing and weekly assessments; Nurtured students» desire to meet and / or surpass their Accelerated Reader goal; Set up lesson materials, bulletin board displays and demonstrations; Fostered oral language development and critical thinking skills during literary discussions; Differentiated instruction for individual student needs; Encouraged personal responsibility while maintaining positive learning environment for all learners; Maintained communication between school and parents via student planners, and parent / teacher confeteacher; Supervised an average of 23 students in classrooms, halls, cafeterias, schoolyards and on field trips; Enforced the school's student discipline code to deal with problem situations; Preserved the confidentiality of student records and information at all times; Determined student strengths and weaknesses through STAR testing and weekly assessments; Nurtured students» desire to meet and / or surpass their Accelerated Reader goal; Set up lesson materials, bulletin board displays and demonstrations; Fostered oral language development and critical thinking skills during literary discussions; Differentiated instruction for individual student needs; Encouraged personal responsibility while maintaining positive learning environment for all learners; Maintained communication between school and parents via student planners, and parent / teacher confeteacher conferences.

Tags for this Online Resume: Former mathematics teacher from Maryland, Certified administrator and school counselor, Team player, insightful about people's needs and feelings, creative problem solver, excellent analytical skills, organizational abilities, ability to think outside of the box, excellent communicator, comfortable presenting variety of information in multiple settings, Customer Service, demonstrate positivity and maintain calm in diverse environments, Analytical, Collaborator, Manager, Multitasker

Professional Experience Anne Arundel Public Schools (Annapolis, MD) 8/2006 — Present Teacher • Design and implement engaging curriculum suitable for students of varied learning styles • Maintain a classroom atmosphere conducive to learning and respect • Utilize assessment measures to chart student growth and program efficacy • Maintain open lines of communication with students, parents, and guardians • Engage in professional growth activities to continually enhance and sharpen skill set • Work collaboratively to achieve the overall purposes of the school program

Young, socially - accepted children are typically skilled at initiating and maintaining positive relationships, and are viewed by peers and teachers as cooperative, sociable and sensitive.

Teachers can support all children, especially children children with challenging behavior as they work to develop their internal controls — and at the same time direct them onto a more positive emotional and educational trajectory by teaching social and emotional skills — the behaviors, attitudes, and words that allow us to initiate and maintain positive social relationships.