SamTastic Weekly Tip: 5/11/26 - Exit Interviews

This week’s Tip: Exit Interviews

You can learn a lot from people who are leaving your school or district. Schedule time to discuss with departing staff their experience with you and the school. This requires a willingness to hear without arguing…even if you are convinced the person is wrong.  You can learn a lot in exit interviews as long as you stay positive, open and reflective.   

Here are four focus questions:

1. What could I have done this year that would have been more helpful?

2. What are we best at as a staff and school?

3. What should we work at to improve?

4. What do I need to do to be a better leader?

Exit interviews with students can be helpful, too:

1. Tell me about teachers who you learned the most from.

2. If you were going to change something at our school that would improve student learning what would it be?

3. Which adults at school will you miss?

   
   

Taking time to listen can give you great insight on where to focus your time.

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It is budget time in most schools and districts.  Be sure to include your SAM services for the 2026-27 school year.  You can request an early invoice now by using this link: https://bit.ly/40GtA33  

Consider budgeting for the 20^th Annual National SAM Conference, too.  The conference provides an opportunity to learn from SAM teams across the US and an amazing array of national and international speakers, authors and thought leaders in leadership, education, and psychology.

20^th Annual National SAM Conference announcement video: https://www.wevideo.com/view/4003300281 

What does a SAM conference look like?  https://bit.ly/4cxGEw7