How do you keep teachers happy? Is it giving them donuts in the break room? Or what about a treat with their pay stub? Or maybe it is pizza delivery on parent-teacher conference night?
While all of these would be appreciated, they aren't the key to keeping teachers happy. Keeping teachers happy is pretty simple. It goes beyond the "treat with respect and professionalism" that should be a given.
1. Give teachers an option on school calendars. Let them have a couple of options to choose from and then go with the majority vote. Let them have a say-so on whether or not they will have a week off in the spring or long week-ends. Let them decide which week is the best for parent conferences. Yes, I know that some things are set in stone and cannot be changed, but giving teachers an opportunity to have a little input goes a long way.
2. Jeans day. Or days. There is something about getting up and grabbing a pair of jeans and pulling on a school shirt that puts a spring in your step. Maybe it's the tennis shoes. Maybe it is the fact that you are more comfortable and aren't going to worry, as much, about getting on the floor and getting dirty. You feel a little more in touch with your students. Jeans just seem to make the day get off to a good start.
3. Using PD time wisely. Don't waste time. Make it meaningful and useful. Not fluff. No one likes to waste time. And don't bleed into personal time. When the clock strikes quitting time, end the meeting. At that point, nothing anyone says in a meeting is more important than picking up your child or getting home to start supper.
4. Smaller class sizes. That matters. A lot. It may mean hiring a couple more staff members, but it is well worth it. Teachers will love you forever. Smaller class sizes usually (not always) mean less discipline issues, more opportunity for forming relationships, and more engagement in lessons. I could go on and on about the importance of keeping class size small, but just trust me on this. One of the biggest complaint teachers have is..... large class sizes.
5. Listen. Really listen. To the good and the bad. Without forming judgements or getting upset. Teachers are human. We need to vent. Someone who won't judge us when we're down. Someone who doesn't try to advise or facilitate. Someone who gives our ideas a moment or two to shine (or maybe is willing to let us try them). Just a listening ear.
Keeping teachers happy is pretty simple. Little things that say a lot. And you know what they say about happy teachers??? A happy teacher has happy students and is less likely to look for better opportunities.
Something for everyone!
This blog does not share personal information with third parties nor do I store any information about your visit to this blog other than to analyze (this blog is run by blogger, a Google company so Google analytics are used to provide me with general statistics about my blog readership) and optimize your content and reading experience through the use of cookies. This blog is published on Facebook and Pinterest sites. This blog is not responsible for their use of cookies. If you wish to turn off the use of cookies you may do so at any time through your specific browser settings. If you sign up to receive the blog by email, your email will not be added to any other mailing list or sold. It is simply used to send the blog post to your inbox. No purchases may be made from this website. In order to purchase my resources you must visit the hosting website. I am not responsible for republished content from this blog on other blogs or websites without my permission. This privacy policy is subject to change without notice and was last updated on August 1, 2019. If you have any questions feel free to contact me directly at kimberlyfrencken@gmail.com
1. Give teachers an option on school calendars. Let them have a couple of options to choose from and then go with the majority vote. Let them have a say-so on whether or not they will have a week off in the spring or long week-ends. Let them decide which week is the best for parent conferences. Yes, I know that some things are set in stone and cannot be changed, but giving teachers an opportunity to have a little input goes a long way.
2. Jeans day. Or days. There is something about getting up and grabbing a pair of jeans and pulling on a school shirt that puts a spring in your step. Maybe it's the tennis shoes. Maybe it is the fact that you are more comfortable and aren't going to worry, as much, about getting on the floor and getting dirty. You feel a little more in touch with your students. Jeans just seem to make the day get off to a good start.
3. Using PD time wisely. Don't waste time. Make it meaningful and useful. Not fluff. No one likes to waste time. And don't bleed into personal time. When the clock strikes quitting time, end the meeting. At that point, nothing anyone says in a meeting is more important than picking up your child or getting home to start supper.
4. Smaller class sizes. That matters. A lot. It may mean hiring a couple more staff members, but it is well worth it. Teachers will love you forever. Smaller class sizes usually (not always) mean less discipline issues, more opportunity for forming relationships, and more engagement in lessons. I could go on and on about the importance of keeping class size small, but just trust me on this. One of the biggest complaint teachers have is..... large class sizes.
5. Listen. Really listen. To the good and the bad. Without forming judgements or getting upset. Teachers are human. We need to vent. Someone who won't judge us when we're down. Someone who doesn't try to advise or facilitate. Someone who gives our ideas a moment or two to shine (or maybe is willing to let us try them). Just a listening ear.
Keeping teachers happy is pretty simple. Little things that say a lot. And you know what they say about happy teachers??? A happy teacher has happy students and is less likely to look for better opportunities.
Something for everyone!
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Privacy Policy
This blog does not share personal information with third parties nor do I store any information about your visit to this blog other than to analyze (this blog is run by blogger, a Google company so Google analytics are used to provide me with general statistics about my blog readership) and optimize your content and reading experience through the use of cookies. This blog is published on Facebook and Pinterest sites. This blog is not responsible for their use of cookies. If you wish to turn off the use of cookies you may do so at any time through your specific browser settings. If you sign up to receive the blog by email, your email will not be added to any other mailing list or sold. It is simply used to send the blog post to your inbox. No purchases may be made from this website. In order to purchase my resources you must visit the hosting website. I am not responsible for republished content from this blog on other blogs or websites without my permission. This privacy policy is subject to change without notice and was last updated on August 1, 2019. If you have any questions feel free to contact me directly at kimberlyfrencken@gmail.com
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