Q: In our school, we have devoted much attention to teaching the whole child. Now we also are looking at how we can support the whole teacher. What strategies has your school implemented to make sure that teachers are healthy, safe, engaged, supported, and challenged?
<ATTRIB>—Amy Lockhart, TeacherMalcolm Price Laboratory SchoolCedar Falls, Iowa</ATTRIB>
Acknowledge Causes of Teachers' Stress
A: During a half-day of inservice training, we asked teachers to write down on sticky notes things that cause them daily stress, and then we sorted the notes into school stressors and personal stressors and displayed them on opposite walls of the room. Outside issues clearly outweighed school issues. This was a powerful visual reminder that educators are often asked to be strong for students while they may not feel very strong themselves. We resolved as a staff to take more time each day building one another up and supporting one another as we create a healthy school for our students.
<ATTRIB>—Lori Mora, Assistant PrincipalDeer Valley Middle SchoolPhoenix, Arizona</ATTRIB>
Embrace Differing Opinions
As we face what seems to be growing criticism of schools and educators, it is crucial that we avoid the temptation to circle the wagons and discount the opinions of our critics. We need to listen, engage, and become part of the dialogue. In our school, we try to foster a climate that encourages diverse opinions. We try to separate practices from personalities and to disagree without being disagreeable. We include the naysayers on committees and engage teachers in meaningful discussions and decisions on school policies, practices, and procedures. We do not confuse collegiality with congeniality, but we work on improving both.
<ATTRIB>—Scott Herrmann, PrincipalGemini Junior High SchoolNiles, Illinois</ATTRIB>
Bring Online Teachers Together
Supporting the whole teacher is central to our virtual public school. We've encouraged healthy lifestyles by distributing pedometers and creating walking teams, rewarding those with the most miles. We frequently survey teachers to determine their needs and interests, creating trainings on the basis of their responses. We work to identify teachers' strengths, challenging them to serve as leaders in their groups. Most of all, our teachers are engaged because they know their students personally through frequent, individualized contact and lessons.
<ATTRIB>—Tracy BroccolinoManager, Connections Virtual AcademyBaltimore, Maryland</ATTRIB>
Set a Reflective Tone
Dr. Darryl Howard, my instructor at the McNeil Educational Leadership Foundation, shared with us that effective administrators are reflective stewards—and good stewards function like thermostats, not thermometers. At my school, we strive to help our new teachers set the tone in their classrooms by helping them be reflective and intentional. In addition, we help them learn how to be good stewards of their instructional time through professional learning communities.
<ATTRIB>—Michelle Neely, TeacherHenry B. Gonzales Elementary SchoolDallas, Texas</ATTRIB>
Keep the Door Open
Especially nowadays, we principals must look after our staff just as we do our students. The most important thing is to have your door always open so that teachers feel they can pop in anytime; it gives them the feeling that you are there to lend a helping hand and listen to their queries, qualms, and so on. Second, promote a good professional development program so that teachers are challenged with new trends. Finally, strive to foster collaboration among staff. Teachers’ reflections on their teaching are more insightful if they can share their doubts, impressions, and actions with peers.
<ATTRIB>—Patsy Pouiller, Deputy Head, PrimarySt. Andrew’s Scots SchoolBuenos Aires, Argentina</ATTRIB>
