When a teacher is struggling in the classroom, it can be tempting, as a new assistant principal, to jump straight into offering solutions and suggestions.
But there's one question that, when asked with genuine curiosity and empathy, can be far more powerful:
"What do you think is at the root of this challenge?"
Here's why this question is so impactful:
🔹 It positions the teacher as the expert on their own experience and classroom
🔹 It invites reflection and self-awareness, rather than defensiveness
🔹 It opens the door for collaborative problem-solving, rather than top-down directives
Of course, asking the question is just the beginning. The real magic happens in how you listen to and build on the teacher's response. Some key things to keep in mind:
▪️ Validate their perspective and show empathy for their struggles
▪️ Ask follow-up questions to deepen understanding
▪️ Brainstorm potential solutions together, offering your ideas as suggestions rather than mandates
When teachers feel truly heard and supported, they're far more likely to take ownership of their own growth and make lasting changes in their practice.
For more tips on coaching teachers with empathy and skill, check out this article:
Link in comments 👇🏻👇🏻👇🏻
Farewell to Coach Castle, a beacon of inspiration!
As we celebrate her retirement, we honor her legacy by christening the new gym 'Annie's Castle.'
Coach Castle, your impact will be felt for generations! @HumbleISD_WPE@HumbleISD
If you have never been to RCA and would like to come, the @sonicdrivein Foundation is giving away 175 all expense paid trips for educators to experience a 2-day in-person PD training in Atlanta! ⭐️⭐️
https://t.co/gNAiFkgtYA
5 tips to reduce stress of staff.
1) if asking to meet with them, let them know why.
2) Don't address an issue you have with one person with the whole staff.
3) praise a lot more than you critique
4) Minimize meetings
5) continual encouragement and support
We had a data meeting this week.
❌We didn’t look at numbers.
❌We didn’t look at who wasn’t yet at benchmark.
❌We didn’t even plan next steps.
We simply went around the room and celebrated milestones students have reached.
‼️Maybe they just learned to write their name.
‼️Maybe they are repeating a grade level and are no longer need Tier 3 intervention.
‼️Maybe they are academically inclined but have recently made drastic social and behavioral improvements.
Let’s be sure we are taking the time to celebrate our kiddos for simply reaching their personal best.
Is there a time and a place for dissecting and reflecting on data? YES. Analyzing data is essential. But there’s also a time to pause, soak up the growth, and celebrate the milestones. Why? Because data is more than just about the numbers. Behind each "number" is a human who simply wants to be reach their best. These moments remind us [teachers] of our purpose and keep us grounded on the hardest days.
Teachers are amazing. Let’s make sure we take the time to help them see the impact they’re making. 🤍
As promised, we have a 🏆 winner!
Ms. Tiffany Grant-Scott at Whispering Pines Elementary in Humble ISD is our winner for a free entry into the R4 AP Conference July 18th. We are excited that her principal, Ms. Celeste Myres, was available to celebrate with her!
#R4APConf
Treat the custodian with the same respect as the principal.
Every person in the school building is a leader and you would be surprised how many kids talk to the custodian, bus driver, cafeteria staff because of trust.
Don’t underestimate “non” teachers. We’re ALL teachers! ❤️