It’s that time of year. Where everyone has their eyes on the holiday break. Where you may tempted to hit snooze just one more time. When maybe what you can gift a class of 30 or a staff of 60 just can’t seem to be found in a store. I have some suggestions that won’t break the bank, but that still may not be the easiest to give.
Give the gift of:
Affirmation: Make sure your people know that you see how hard they work. That you recognize the energy and the effort that they are giving. That you see they give up their conference time for ARDS, for meetings, for whatever you ask. That they work late. That they buy all the extras to make their classroom function the way you want it too.
Example: Be an example. Be selfless. Be positive. Be tireless. Be an encourager.
Encouragement: Reassure your team that they are doing the right things. Ask their opinion, value their input, and give them opportunities for decision-making. Make sure they know you support them in their decisions and choices.
Patience: Be patient. Allow discourse. Recognize that you should always value progress, and not be looking for perfection.
Rest: Teachers are tired. Teachers work hard. The same is true for our students. Don’t add unnecessary meetings when you can email. Don’t waste time with unnecessary fluff.
Inspiration: There’s a thin line between overwhelm and inspire, but this time of year you can definitely share stories or videos that can remind a teacher why we do what we do. Here are 6 to start with! Fill their bucket, and make them GLAD that they work for you or are in your classroom. Close out your semester positively…you can do this and still not sacrifice an instructional focus.
These universal gifts are ones that won’t cost you an extra penny, but may require time and reflection of your own. In a time when you are all stressed with the demands of the principal’s job, you need to remind yourselves that you have great power to make a difference in your teachers’ lives. Teachers who feel encouraged and comfortable with your support will stay with you in a positive climate of learning. You deserve to have that kind of school…and these gifts can make it happen!
What are you doing for your staff this year?? There’s still time to make it happen!
Amta Claus
I found a quote that says something like, “Teachers don’t work to get rich, but to enrich the lives of others.” I printed that on the front of a card, and on the inside it says, “but here’s your chance to get rich!”, with a scratch ticket inside.