Career Life
Dear School Administrators,
Let us please start off by stating that this is not a cry for revolution, but more like a call for evolution. The times they are a-changin’, and we all have to work together to make sure our school changes with them. So here is our list of ideas and suggestions we hope you take into honest consideration.
Critiques absolutely make us better teachers, but we also need to hear about the things we’re doing well.
Of all the things teachers need but are afraid to ask for, the thing we need most is your support. As stressful as it is for you to observe us teaching in the classroom, we crave the benefit from the constructive feedback you give us afterward. Critiques absolutely make us better teachers, but we also need to hear about the things we’re doing well. Otherwise, we’ll end up on the couch scarfing down pints of Ben and Jerry’s to comfort ourselves.
We’re also going to need your support when parents come in for a conference. You are the last line of defense between us and irate parents who want to know why their child, who hasn’t turned in any work in 8 weeks, is failing. When we get frustrated, you are the face of calm. When we are at our wits’ end, you are the voice of reason. The emotional and professional support you provide lets us know you have our backs no matter what.
Teachers are constantly looking for ways to improve.
When it comes to staff meetings and other forms of professional development, let’s find a compromise. We promise to show up on time and stay off our phones if you can promise the meetings will have real value and merit. We may joke around a lot about the dreadfulness of these meetings, but the truth is we need them and want them. Teachers are constantly looking for ways to improve and again, that’s when we turn to admin for answers. That’s what leads to real school improvement.
When you stop to talk to the students… they see you care.
Don’t be afraid to make your presence felt with the kids. In the cafeteria, the classroom or the hallways. You are everyone’s leader and the best ones lead by example. When you stop to talk to the students, I mean really talk to them about their lives, they see you care. That promotes a culture where everyone is involved and on the same page. Students and teachers notice that stuff and it has a much larger impact than you may realize.
Just know you don’t have to do it alone.
Lastly, we are well aware of how hard your job can be at times. You are the ones responsible for putting out fires all over the school. You deal with children, parents, teachers and everybody else. You are responsible for the well-being of every person in our school and that is a huge responsibility to undertake. Just know you don’t have to do it alone. We are one big, slightly dysfunctional team and we wouldn’t have it any other way.
Yours Truly,
Teachers
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