I always looked forward to Tuesdays. It’s a day of the week that may seem a bit ho-hum, but it was the day that Mr. Rickeman, the English and History teacher, and I , the Math and Science teacher, found each other for a “High-Five Tuesday.” Such a simple human interaction boosted my spirit and gave me the encouragement I needed to face my 4th period class that day.
Are we as teachers competing or collaborating? Does more gossip or more encouragement come out of your mouth? An insight from one teacher compares our attitude and actions to fuel, and the type of fuel we consume will ultimately manifest in our own morale and our school culture. Some great advice comes from an article by Derrick Meador. He encourages teachers to be sensitive to others, and, at the same time, do not take things personally. Give people the benefit of the doubt whenever possible. Be quick to give credit to others, and don’t concern yourself with getting credit yourself. Keep the students’ best interest in mind and the success of the school as a whole.
Natalie Snyders, a Speech Language Pathologist, shares some ways she has cultivated a positive school relationship at her school. Starting with the staff, she has everyone draw a name of another staff member and write them a short note of encouragement. Students also get involved and write thank you notes to their teachers, often focusing on a particular grammar lesson or skill in their own writing. Finally, Snyders recognizes the occasional need for a bathroom break and adult supervision, offering the teacher a brief relief.
Connect face-to-face with your colleagues! Start with a walk down the hall to their classroom to check on how their day was, ask for advice about a student or an upcoming lesson, or spend time outside of the school building. Adult conversation after a day of teaching can lift your spirit and set the tone for your school campus!
Are you in need of a morale boost and a High-Five Tuesday? Consider enrolling in What Works in Schools: Translating Research into Action. Participants will discover how schools can create an environment that affects student achievement and maximizes the capacity of all learners.
What have you done to develop a positive culture on campus? Leave us a comment below!
Teacher Talk 