How are your First Responders doing?
Open your First Responder list on your TimeTrack. Circle the management areas that you have not had to deal with this school year because your First Responders have been successful in getting people help faster, without pulling you away from the instructional work you had scheduled each day.
Do these First Responders know the impact they have on your success? This is a teachable moment. It is never a waste of time to let someone know that you appreciate them…and…more importantly, why.
Many First Responders believe their work, taking the first crack at dealing with management issues, makes a difference in students success. They have a principal who makes it clear that this work, of getting people help faster, allows instructional work to improve teacher practice and student learning, to happen.
So, Sams, schedule your principal for three “thank you” meetings with First Responders this week. Practice with your principal. Can the principal show TimeTrack records showing the increased instructional time that would not have happened without the First Responder’s work? If not, help. These meetings are important.
Some of your best educators in your school are not licensed teachers. Many support staff members have an outsized role in student success. Recognizing this has an important impact on building the school culture you desire. Plus, it feels good.
I encountered a day custodian in a large high school in Gwinnett County, Georgia, a few years ago. He asked if I was that “SAM guy.” I said yes. He said, “I bet you think your First Responder system works.” I told him I thought it did, but wondered what he thought. His response surprised me.
“Of course it works. I no longer ask my principal what to do when I already know the answer. I “get it” that this allows him to do the work with teachers that he needs to do. But that’s not the biggest way I make a difference in this school improving student performance. The big thing I do is keeping my principal on track. When I see my principal, I click the SAM app on my iPhone, look at his TimeTrack, and see if he is where he is supposed to be. If not, I walk up and say: “Principal Jones, you are supposed to be in Mrs. Stevens room in the science wing. Let me walk you there and we can talk Atlanta Falcons’ football on the way.” That’s how I make a real difference.”
This commitment, and passion to make a difference, exists in every staff member in your building. Your job is to nourish and support this so your students and school community benefit.
Two reminders:
If you are planning to attend the 18th Annual National SAM Conference, Miami Beach, don’t wait. 84% of rooms have already been taken. Use this link to register: https://registration.samsconnect.com/
NSIP Board President Bert Hendee is taking applications for the seat on the Board designated for a SAM principal. Applications are due September 20. Use this link to download the application. https://bit.ly/3AeqJnd
In-person SAM Training this week:
Columbia, Missouri
In-person SAM training next week:
Columbia, South Carolina
Online training: Denver, Colorado, The Bronx, New York
Music Video: I Am a SAM https://bit.ly/48OCjCm
Mission: The National SAM Innovation Project provides a comprehensive process and set of tools designed to develop effective instructional leaders resulting in greater student success.
Vision: The National SAM Innovation Project will provide SAM services in every state resulting in greater teacher and learner success.
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