When I am asked my number one piece of advice for an administrator, it is simply to take care of your staff. A culture of care, support, appreciation, and encouragement is a culture when everyone can thrive. The teacher's work environment is the student's learning environment.
๐ฉ Did you know that you can create an appointment schedule directly from #Gmail?
Look for the calendar icon when composing a message. This will let you set your availability so that the other person can pick the time that works best for them.
#GoogleEDU#TeacherTwitter
Classroom management is focused on control. But we donโt control people, we lead them. So focus less on control of behavior & focus more on leadership. Building essential R's (respect, relationships, responsibility, & relevance). We want students committed not just compliant.
Effective teachers don't center their approach on rules, but rather on relationships, routines, & expectations. Prioritizing these over rules means spending less time enforcing them. When you invest in relationships, routines, & expectations, rule enforcement becomes less needed
Principals, stock up on Post-it notes for fall! When you visit classrooms, leave a post-it note on their desk telling them how lucky their students are to have them & share something you learned or enjoyed about the visit. I call them "Post-its of Praise"
Teachers need more Self Compassion: Treat yourself with kindness & understanding, especially during tough times. Realize that everyone makes mistakes, and remind yourself that you are doing your best. Treat yourself as you would treat a friend or colleague in same situation.
@scottwestwell Having students answer test questions together after the test: do you do this in the random groups at the boards? The same day as the test or the next day? Is there room for test corrections then? Do you o or do this if several students did not perform well on the test? Thanks!
Teachers, Donโt be discouraged if you do things differently than others. Itโs ok to learn from others but donโt think youโre wrong if you do it differently. Everyone has their own talents & passions. Just bring your best self. That's what your students need.
@saravdwerf Evolving with gratitude. Itโs a book based on how we can use gratitude to build relationships with students, colleagues, administrators and more. It is from the perspective of being in the education field. There is also a podcast by the same author. I love them both!
@momof4gma3 @spencerideas I agree. I believe the classroom environment depends on the relationships you build with students. I wish there would have been more emphasis on relationship building and having skills to handle situations I never thought I would come across.
If a formal observation is the first time you are in a teachers classroom, then put the evaluation form away. Sit, listen, and then leave a note of thanks, praise or encouragement. Relationships first!
Admin, make sure your teachers arenโt pouring from an empty cup. Help keep their cups filled with encouragement, support, appreciation, patience and kindness. Because thatโs what you want them pouring into their students' cups too.
Teachers, whether you plant the seeds or water them, you are impacting the lives of your students. Many of your students will think back on you years later, maybe even after you are gone and smile and remember you made a difference! Never forget your impact!
Every child deserves a teacher who cares about them. Every child also deserves a teacher who is supported, appreciated, and treated like a professional.