Fall in love again with the teaching process.
Sometimes it helps to stop for a few minutes to get centered, focused and to make sure you are in the moment. Great leaders take time to do this throughout their day and week.
Smart leaders help staff members get centered and focused, too. Here’s four ways:
Help your teachers fall in love again with the teaching process. Listen to teachers and help them reflect and find satisfaction with their work each day. Too often we look for a future big win without considering the smaller wins that are necessary each day. Supporting the teacher’s enthusiasm, passion and commitment each day is central to success.
We often ask applicants why they want to teach. We look for passion and commitment. What would a conversation on this topic be like for a PLC…or at the start of a staff meeting? Do your school’s mission and visions statements align with each member’s purpose? How could alignment occur?
Try starting, or ending, a one-on-one conversation with a teacher with this question: “Tell me about an interaction with a student, or class, that made you feel happy today? Tell me about something that gave you joy.”
Make a list of things you require of teachers that are not directly tied to teaching students. Consider if anything can be reduced or eliminated.
Limit the time you spend observing to evaluate to what is legally required. Shift to working with students. Be the teaching assistant while you observe so you can better support the teacher’s growth. Make the time you spend formative, not evaluative.
Teaching can be a lonely experience. Helping teachers connect with purpose can lead to connecting with each other. Building support for each other may be your best leadership move today…and every day this year.
Reminder: Travel information is due December 1 for the 18th Annual National SAM Conference. Please send to: Travel@SamsConnect.com
Haven’t registered? There are 23 seats still available:
Wednesday, 1/15/25: NSIP Board Meeting; arrival of pre-conference attendees; evening welcome event
Thursday, 1/16/25: Pre-conference all-day sessions; arrival of conference attendees; evening welcome event
Friday, 1/17/25: First Conference Day; evening event
Saturday, 1/18/25: Second Conference Day, evening event
Sunday, 1/19/25: Departure day (Attendees may elect to stay Sunday night and depart Monday at a reduced resort fee.)
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