There are so many people involved in educating our youth today. Students need to feel a sense of community and feel they are part of a safe place where the world around them affords them the opportunity to learn.
Ensuring that safety begins with the teachers and staff. Teachers and staff also need to feel that their work place is a place where their safety it of the utmost importance. My team and I strive to ensure teachers are heard. That we value their voice. That the decisions made each and everyday are in the best interest of them and the students that sit in front of them each day.
It is imperative that teachers know even when you disagree with them or make a decision opposite of what they may feel is right, that they were heard. Operating as a servant leader and a collaborative leader makes this possible. This does not mean that teacher decides the every move of the school. That, in fact, is what the administrative team has been put together for. However, there has to be a basis of trust as the decisions that are made for students and teachers are data informed and thought through.
Decisions made in the wakes of all the world has through at us has truly impacted the world of teaching. Many decisions brought down to school, take little into account of the current state of education. Teachers and staff are tired. Many performing multiple jobs within their own job. Not only are teachers asked to move students forward, but they are asked daily to fill gaps. We as administrators much take the time to ask ourselves, "What can we do to assist in what is being asked?" Teacher also much has mentors that can support and impact the daily practices and the teacher's ability to manage all their tasks. We as administrators must act with purpose and ensure teachers know what the purpose of each requirement is. Teachers and staff want to feel heard and trusted they are experts in their field.
Growth comes from developing the knowledge teacher's possess in a constructive purposeful way. School teachers and staff need a safe place to be heard. In order to ensure retention, it is important school leaders find a balance of delving out expectations and holding teachers accountable against overwhelming demands and not hearing those that are in need of support.
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