Ways To Maintain And Improve Staff Morale
Kathleen - Good evening. School Administrators are invited to log on for this month's School Administrators' Collaborative
Sandy - Good evening, everyone
Kathleen - Hi Sandy, are you a school administrator?
Sandy - Yes, I am an Assistant Principal for K-4 but I am the building administrator for the k-1
Kathleen - The topic topic: Ways to maintain and improve staff morale
Sandy - I try to keep a good handle on the morale of the staff.
Sandy - Where are you in New England? I am in NH
Kathleen - Sandy, did you teach before becoming and admin.?
Sandy - Yes, I taught for 12 years.
Kathleen - I'm in Conn.
Sandy - White Mountains in NH - cold......
Sandy - Conneticut has some good middle schools.
Kathleen - Then you would have the benefit of the perspective of a teacher. Has that helped you in the area of maintaining your staff's morale?
Sandy - Sometimes I think it should, but I am not convinced it always does.
Kathleen - Sandy, how so? Do you see it as a sometimes impossible dream?
Judi - I feel "humanistic' is the key word here.
Sandy - No, I just think that I have always done some of these things so now it is expected. For example: writing each teacher a personal note prior to parent conferences.
Judi - When principals care about each person as a human being, morale improves.
Sandy - good point, Judi
Judi - Also, truthful - I have been in situations where principals did not always tell the truth - and it caught up with her. I think this is one of the worst thing that can happen - being thought of as a liar.
Kathleen - Well, I teach part time, am in a new building with a new administrator (new to me and new for her), and I can tell you that just her hand on my shoulder as she passed by as I sat in the corridor outside my classroom, working with a child, boosted my morale.
Addie /MO - i think there are more and more females in admin positions, but there are lots of men in my night classes. first time that the women have been outnumbered in ed classes
Sandy - I agree. Staff may not always agree but they feel secure if they can trust you.
Kathleen - Ah, credibility. That would be important for many reasons.
lorip123 - Isn't that interesting, Kathleen, that such a simple gesture as that would make you feel good.
Judi - You are so right Kathleen - little things add up and mean so much.
Linda/CA - Yes, Kathleen, our prin writes personal notes to thank us
Kathleen - It goes with Judi point that caring is in itself a morale booster
Linda/CA - She also occassionally brings in some goodies to share with us
lorip123 - Thank you for what Linda-can you give us an example.
Judi - It is as true as with children - it takes many positives to make up for one negative.
Linda/CA - For doing things--sometimes just that you contacted a parent or are having patience with a troublesome child
Sandy - sense of humor has a lot to do with morale, also
lorip123 - Having an open door....
Linda/CA - That is definitely true Sandy
Sandy - Looking at everyone who comes into your office to speak with you.
Judi - But, should the administrator be the same as a colleague as a friend ?
Sandy - Unfortunately, we can't be.
lorip123 - That's a tough one, Judi.
Judi - That is why I chose not to be a Principal in the building I had taught in.
Sandy - That is one of the most difficult things to do.
Addie /MO - judi, i think in an ideal world we should be able to be colleagues all working together for the good of kids, but i am not sure that it is possible in the real world
Judi - There probably is a very fine line and some can handle friendship in this situation well
Linda/CA - Well, I am in no-man's-land--I am a Resource Teacher (actually the VP--but without the title or the pay)
Sandy - I agree totally, Addie.
Judi - Well put, Addie.
Judi - Linda, I had that same job! I was the Principal's right hand person - did much of the leg work - she took the credit - but i liked the job really well.
Addie /MO - listening to whoever comes to your office and then helping them to find a solution to their problem. then support them to carry out the decision.
Kathleen - Linda/CA are you in a position to affect staff morale one way or the other?
Linda/CA - I like the job--and she gives me credit--to the staff, to the parents, and to the DO
Addie /MO - also, trusting people to make good decisions.
Linda/CA - Definitely, Kathleen--I have been in charge of it for the last 3 years
Judi - What bothers me is I don't think Principals have the time or desire to be the instructional leaders -
Linda/CA - Mine has the desire--but definitely not the time
Sandy - The staff really likes it when I make time to spend some time in the classrooms.
Addie /MO - judi, i think that is true. a principal has a lot of responsibility
Kathleen - Is the school administrator a necessary component for good morale, can it happen when an adminstrator is not visible, so low key and out of site that s/he is not a factor?
Addie /MO - i think everyone is in a position to affect morale positively or negatively depending on their attitudes and interactions with others. no one in the school lives in a vacuum
Judi - You are right Addie - but I feel risks are taken and change happens when someone takes a leadership role.
Linda/CA - I used to get provoked that her door was sometimes closed--but since I have my new position--I am more tolerant of her closed door--she would never get anything done if it was open all the time
Peggy/Phx. - Hi all, As an elementary principal of 22 years I really believe that a positive staff morale has to come from everyone on the staff. The principal can set the tone for support and encouragement but the positive reinforcements need to come from peers as
Addie /MO - judi, you are right, but you cant change everything at once, so it depends on where you focus your energy
Peggy/Phx. - oops-always go a little long. Meant to end that thought with from peers as well as principals.
Kathleen - By the way, I plan a future meeting topic on what school administrators need in order to bolster and maintain THEIR morale, just so it's a two way street.
Judi - Is it proper to ask something in this discussion that is not about staff morale?
Linda/CA - We have staff functions like pot-lucks, and goodies to help morale
Kathleen - Can the admin. single handedly bring morale up or down?
Peggy/Phx. - I agree with the open door policy. Because I make that a priority it does mean that everything doesn't get done and needs to go home (hooray for computers).
Linda/CA - I also bring in and share cartoons and humor that I find--a lot of it here at t.net
Kathleen - Judi, could we set aside the last 10-15 minutes for open forum?
Peggy/Phx. - I just happen to believe that the people are the highest priority and should get my attention during the day.
Judi - That would be great. I might come back as I have too many emails to answer. Thanks.
Addie /MO - yes....i think down for sure....i dont know about up...but maybe either is a choice of the staff and what they choose to do. if an admin is negative or threatening, i cant imagine anyone actually thriving in those circumstances...i think the best a teacher could do is ignore it, shut the door and teach her kids the best she could.
Linda/CA - Yes--Kat--the adm is definitely a factor in morale
Peggy/Phx. - When we did some staff brainstorming about this topic I was pleasantly surprised to find teachers making many suggestions about ways they can support each other.
lorip123 - What were some of their ideas, Peggy?
Peggy/Phx. - Some of their ideas included writing positive post-it notes and just sneaking into a teacher's room to stick it on their desk--kind of a random act of kindness.
Peggy/Phx. - Another ideas was offering to take another teacher's duty or using one of their prep periods to help another teacher in their room.
Kathleen - I've known admins. do that, give out certificates for 30 mins. of their time in the classroom to give the teacher a break for planning or whatever. Or to cover a duty, to be redeemed when the teacher felt the need.
Linda/CA - Adm need to be aware of the mood cycle for teachers--this is traditionally the lowest ebb of the year
Peggy/Phx. - We always acknowledge staff birthdays-both teachers and support staff by including the dates in our bi-weekly staff newsletter. Then everyone sends notes or ecards or just clever birthday greetings. It always makes you feel good to be remembered.
Kathleen - Linda, you mean and NOT schedule a visit for evaluation on the day before the holiday break? ; o)
Linda/CA - That is true Peggy, unfortunately my bd is in the middle of summer
Addie /MO - that is interesting, linda...hadnt ever really thought about it...except for i (as a teacher) have always noticed when the end of the year is near, people are often very ready for it to end.
Peggy/Phx. - Another idea I really liked was for a teacher to write a short letter to a specific child's last year's teacher to let them know what a difference they made to that child.
Sandy - prior to parent conferences is one time
Addie /MO - linda, they could celebrate half birthdays!
Peggy/Phx. - My birthday is also in the middle of the summer but I just post reminders on my computer and make sure I remember every summer birthday. We include all birthdays in our year-long calendar including summer.
Linda/CA - I have a chart that shows that they start very high in Aug/Sept and go steadily downhill until mid-Dec (x-mas break) and then go back up again until mid-March, where they plateau off until mid-May, and then take a big upswing
Peggy/Phx. - When teachers show interest in what's happening in another teacher's classroom and ask about it, that always seems to be reinforcing. I love having someone notice something I've done and ask me about it.
Sandy - Thanks everyone
Linda/CA - I went around to all the classes and found something positive about each teacher--something that she could share with others--and made up a list to use
Peggy/Phx. - We are starting our Secret Pal week next week for this very reason. It is a high-stress time and the little daily surprises really are a morale booster.
Addie /MO - i like that idea, peggy. did anyone suggest taking a student that is about to drive the person crazy off their hands for a little bit?
Peggy/Phx. - Yes, Addie, in fact they do that quite often. Each class has a buddy classroom for just things like this. It's positive for the child and a real relief for the teacher.
Peggy/Phx. - I have found it's very difficult to genuinely praise teachers publicly. They don't seem to like to toot their own horns and be singled out. I still do it but some are uncomfortable with it.
Jollypsych - Whenever I see a nifty bulletin board I make sure to tell that staff member it looks great! I'm a psych so it's like being between 2 worlds
Peggy/Phx. - Jollypsych, that's a great idea! Teachers always put a lot of thought and work into their bulletin boards and it's nice to have them appreciated.
Jollypsych - I can do alot to try and promote positive things, or at least try.
Jollypsych - Besides my Wife has 23 years in as a teacher (I gotta be nice!)
Linda/CA - Jollypsych==want to come to our school? Our psych is one of our sore points--he is so pessimistic
Peggy/Phx. - We did a great activity during Amer. Ed Wk. where we put a form in the newsletter for parents & kids to write thank you's to teachers and displayed them on a hall bulletin bd. Very positively received!
Jollypsych - Sounds great Linda! Schools are really getting tough! Too many people on this plqnet is my theory. It's kind of like the New York airport. A mess!!!!!
Peggy/Phx. - We have also found that morale improves when we occasionally assign seats at faculty mtgs so they are getting to know someone new and not just their teammates.
Addie /MO - that is a neat idea! how fun! there is a week in the spring that is teacher appreciation week. i will have to use that idea.
Kathleen - Oh, you reminded of something an admin. did when new to a building. He put out a form asking teacher's favorite movie, fav. snack, book, vactaion spot, said tell me something interesting about yourself, that sort of thing. Oh, and what shall I call you? He filled one out and put it with the blank ones. It was fun and interesting for all.
Linda/CA - I have to tell you--I have worked for 9 principals--and the current one is the only one who shows any appreciation for the staff
Addie /MO - kat, that is a good idea. did he just leave the info out in the lounge so everyone could browse it when they had a chance?
Jollypsych - I find that teachers would like administrators to be fair and less political. That interchange is much better than little gifts! ( Sorry I'm older than my years! HA HA HA!).
Peggy/Phx. - I agree with the importance of humor at school. We have actually designated a"Director of Mirth" and a couple of alternates to add a little levity to our staff mtgs-appropriately though so we don't get too off task.
Jollypsych - I have worked with over 50 Principals through the years! I could write a BOOK!
Kathleen - Addie, I don't think so, but that would be a wonderful way to share the boost and reveal information about colleagues one otherwise might not know, even if they had worked together for many years.
Kathleen - 50? wow
Peggy/Phx. - Yes, a sincere compliment and timely support can go a long way in building and maintaining staff morale.
Addie /MO - jolly, i think that you are right that the day to day listening and fairness is probably more important than the gifts or little things. the little things are nice, but they can't make up for unfairness or day to day actions
Peggy/Phx. - I often will prepare special thank you certificates for teachers and support staff so they can hang them if they wish to let them know of something specific that I noticed and appreciated.
Kathleen - I vote for support, interest, involvement over marterial recognition
Kathleen - But both are helpful and meet the varying needs of staff.
Jollypsych - Yes it's true! I find the most impressive Principals are the ones who are truly good people-- in & out of the school setting. You know the value thing! Lot of Principals don't have what it takes. They have the job but don't have what it takes! Am I sounding like your Pysch yet Linda??
Addie /MO - consistency is important too. that people know what to expect from you. we had a principal once that you didnt really know how she might react to what you had to say. depended on her mood. needless to say, many people found her difficult to approach
Kathleen - If you would like to move into open forum, you certainly may do so, or continue on this topic.
Peggy/Phx. - I also find teachers really appreciate a principal or teacher praising their class publicly. We do this with Cougar Prides on the morning announcements.
Linda/CA - No--you are much more upbeat that he is--he doesn't recognize a joke when he hears one--and never smiles
Kathleen - Lisa, welcome the the School Administrators' Collaborative. At what level do you work?
Lisa - I am a first grade teacher. We have issues with staff morale at my school.
Linda/CA - Is that lisa in NC?
Addie /MO - kat, varying needs is a key idea here. everyone responds to different things and find different things motivating. you have to work to meet the needs of those people that may differ from what needs you may have had as a teacher. just like with kids in a classroom. you have to see individuals
Jollypsych - Poor person, what are you doing for that individual to bring up the spirit?? Psych jobs are pretty cruddy at times!!
Lisa - No, Maryland
Kathleen - Lisa, you missed a good amount of discussion, but the transcript will be posted along with earlier transcripts in the Archives http://teachers.net/meetings
Kathleen - Addie, so true
Addie /MO - lisa is there a particular issue that you wish to discuss?
Linda/CA - Jolly--he doesn't want to be upbeat--think he needs a psych himself
Peggy/Phx. - Addie, that is an excellent point. We really do need to vary how we recognize and appreciate staff members. I have a teacher that sends me her weekly newsletter with a piece of chocolate attached. Always makes me smile and feel good!
Jollypsych - I forgot to tell you, I am certified to be a Director of Special Education but never had the opportunity, but in my role I wear a lot of hats and need a lot of different skills.
Judi - Thanks, I don't want to interrupt-question is-Is anyone on a good listserv for administrators?
Addie /MO - peggy, that is a "sweet" idea. i bet that you do enjoy that.
Kathleen - Jolly, the position of school admin requires many hats, often too many!
Linda/CA - there is one here at t.net
Kathleen - Judi, are you on the one here at Teachers.Net?
Peggy/Phx. - That reminds me...principals also need a positive comment from time to time to know they are valued. We often get the complaints but not too often the praise. I know that's true for teachers too!
Addie /MO - i am on the t.net one, but at the present time it isnt very active.
Judi - Is it for especially for administrators?
Addie /MO - yes, there is one for admin.
Peggy/Phx. - Yes, I always learn new things from the K-12 Admin list.
Jollypsych - I'm listening Kathleen (By the way I love your name! My Wife's name is KATHLEEN
Kathleen - http://teachers.net/mailrings is where you subscribe, It needs some waking up, if all of you got involved that would stimulate the group.
Judi - Oh, thanks. I will look into it.
Jollypsych - Some of those administrators forget which hat they got on HA HA HA LOL LOL!
Judi - I think I did try it once but there was not as much action as on T2T.
Addie /MO - you are right, kat. do you know approx how many members there are on it?
Diana/NC - I am not a principal but have a lot of respect for those that are genuinely interested in what is best for each student.
Kathleen - Addie, as I recall it's well over 100, let me see if I can find that
Peggy/Phx. - This isn't a listserv but a weekly newsletter that I really value. It is the PEN Weekly and is loaded with lots of links and info relevant to current issues.
Judi - How do you find PEN Weekly?
Judi - Why don't we all try to activate the listserv for administrators? I will join tonight.
Peggy/Phx. - I knew you would ask...I'd have to check my files for the subscription address. It's free
Addie /MO - diana, i think that should be at the center of our decisions....at to that effort we have to listen to the parents and the teachers who know the students best
Kathleen - There are 312 subscribers on the Administrators mailring. Also, check out http://administrators.net/
Kathleen - Judi, terrific idea! Go join after this meeting and post an intro.
Judi - Thanks, Kathleen. Everyone here is so helpful.
Peggy/Phx. - Here it is: Pen Weekly News:To subscribe or unsubscribe, visit: http://www.PublicEducation.org/news/signup.htm
Addie /MO - judi, i will answer you when you introduce yourself
Kathleen - Judi, there is so much help available on the Internet, I'd like to introduce more admins. to online meetings, so helpful
Judi - Thanks, Peggy. I have a lot of joining to do after this chat.
Addie /MO - thanks peggy. looks interesting
Judi - At all the workshops I give, I tell teachers and administrators how valuable listservs are.
Addie /MO - nice to chat with everyone! nitol!
Peggy/Phx. - Another positive thing we do at our school is for both staff and students. Each morning on the announcements I give a thought for the day. It helps to set a positive tone.
Kathleen - Judi, please tell them about Teachers.Net, we have something for every grade level, specialties, topics
Kathleen - Peggy, that IS an under rated practice, good idea
Judi - Oh, I do, Kathleen - I see many teachers throughout the year and I rave about Teachers.net
Kathleen - On the main chatboard here at Teachers.Net our devoted regular, Barb E. posts an "apple seed" each morning, a postive thought, quote, etc. http://teachers.net/chatboard
Jollypsych - This is a pleasant place!! I bet the brightest and kindest administrators find their way here!
Kathleen - Oh, I forgot to ask what topic we should discuss in Januray. Let's use the Adminsitrators' mailring to elicit responses about what the needs are, ok?
Judi - I think the Press should highlight the type of collaboration that goes on through Teachers.Net
Kathleen - Jolly, well certainly you're at the head of the class!
Kathleen - Judi, I think you're right. Maybe you can help with that?
Kathleen - Diana, are you a teacher or admin?
Judi - Maybe someone like Bonnie Bracey or Linda Roberts could help - I will try to contact them.
Kathleen - Judi, thanks, let me know if I can help by providing info
Judi - Well, I have some lists to join. Gotta run! Thanks to all of you. Keep up the good work!
Jollypsych - Tonight is the first time in here but have been in the teachers chatroom for a couple of years. This whole concept is COOL!
Kathleen - Bonnie Bracey wrote an article for an issue of the http://teachers.net/gazette
Kathleen - Jolly, it's about the best invention for peer support since.... who can complete that?
Kathleen - Please feel free to remain if you wish to continue the meeting, I have to leave now. Thank you to all school administrators who participated!
Peggy/Phx. - Wish I didn't have to go but I do. It's been great talking to all of you. Be sure to come back next month.
Kathleen - The date for next month will be posted in the Admins. mailring. sign up at http://teachers.net/mailrings
