Your weekly source of learner-centered inspiration
Dear Educator,
New beginnings are a time of high energy. Consider the start of every school year: Teachers go through these stages of change every year as they say goodbye to one class and welcome in a new one. We can have new beginnings in our practice, too. This doesn’t mean we weren’t good enough in previous years or that our practices were ineffective; instead, it means we can decide to let go of what no longer aligns with our vision and desired goals and create new and better experiences.
This process of starting anew should be the same for leaders as well. For this week’s Bright Spot, I want to highlight the practices of a superintendent that helped me understand teacher challenges, improve morale and effectively move forward.
With Gratitude, Katie
I'd love to hear from you! Reply to this email to share your Bright Spot this week!
BRIGHT SPOT OF THE WEEK
Cracking the Code on Teacher Morale
Teacher morale and burnout has been the topic of many stories recently, but neither are entirely new. Research has shown that well before the pandemic, 1 in 5 teachers were leaving the profession within the first 5 years. Especially now, we are facing even greater challenges that require a new and different approach to the role of the educator.
Highlighting the growing challenges, Jill Siller wrote an article, Teacher Morale and Wellness, that underscores the need for leaders to listen, diagnose and then take action that meets the needs of individuals rather than a more typical “surprise and delight” or general gestures that show gratitude regardless of the need.
The approach she described was developed by Georgeanne Warnock, Superintendent of Terrell Independent School District, and was intended to diagnose and find the root causes of the challenges her teachers were facing with 3 simple questions:
What could a classroom fairy bring that would make your life better?
What would make your job easier?
What could we take off your plate?
As you begin the school year, regardless of your role, you can implement this strategy of diagnosing the problem to best meet the needs of learners and those you serve.
Interested in discussing how you might best meet the needs of learners this upcoming school year? Let's connect!
Below are some resources to help educators start the upcoming school year with learners at the center.
1. What makes a good mentor? The heart of good mentoring is listening. Edutopia compiled 6 qualities of exceptional mentor teachers. Uncover them here.
2. Conversations with a teacher. Middle school teacher Michelle Bangara joins me on The Learner-Centered Collaborative Podcast to discuss flexibility in the classroom and shifting gears to promote the best outcomes for learners.
3. Words of advice for new teachers. This insightful article from Novak Education provides advice from current teachers, admins, and lifelong educators to help motivate and inspire first-year teachers.Read now.
LET'S SHARE OUR BRIGHT SPOTS!
How are you meeting the needs of your learners?
Use #LCBrightSpots to share your experiences on social media!
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