I recently saw this link tweeted out from Forbes magazines in a post by Simon Reynolds.
In the article it talks about the Gallop study that most employees are dis-satisfied in their current position with their companies. So often in education our teachers become frustrated evaluations, scores, assessing students etc. It was a comfort to see that companies have the same stressors that we have in the educational environment. And sometimes the best leaders are those who take the time to notice and acknowledge. What really caught my eye was that the three suggested items were what I expect to see in our classrooms and school.
1. 3 to 1
Making sure to share 3 positives to 1 constructive. In our classrooms it sounds like “Wow! I love how hard Johnny is working to get his supplies out!” in our staff “Mrs. Smith I was really impressed when you used open ended questions with your students today.”
2. Enter Positive
In our classrooms it looks like the teacher standing and greeting the students at the door. With smiles, half hugs or high fives. For our staff it looks like the Principal walking the halls greeting teachers, parents and students.
3. Praise in Public
In our schools it looks like teachers proclaiming the merit of a student in front of the classroom. For our staff it looks like the Principal sharing an amazing lesson or moment that the Principal saw doing walkthroughs.
During my administrative internship I had the privilege of working with a Principal who really took the time to facilitate small steps that made a huge difference in the climate of the building. Some of her little tricks that I have tried to incorporate or remember for the future:
- Small hand written notes
- Staff breakfasts
- Gifts to thank staff
- Teacher Appreciation Week is too late- celebrate monthly
- Facilitate social gatherings
- Gifts when teachers retire, change buildings or are having personal issues
- Taking the time to listen (even when there is never enough time)
Sometimes I think what we think is “highly effective” teaching is also best practice for the world. Maybe our schools really are doing great work not only in our classrooms but in the way leaders and teachers set the stage for Appreciation.
Christie
Another great resource: “If You Don’t Feed the Teachers, They Eat the Students” by Conners and Streams
2 principals 