As a leader, you need to support each member of your team because they are part of your learning community, and everyone in that community matters. Of course, the support you give will depend on the situation and the individual themselves, but the number one objective is to get the best out of your team of teachers.
Staff need to feel valued
In the same way you get to know your learners, you should get to know your staff. Giving praise when it’s due is important, but you also need to understand how your team would like to receive praise. Some enjoy public praise in a meeting, whilst others will prefer a quiet word in private. Praise is great for keeping up the morale of a department or team, however it doesn’t mean having to buy a bottle of wine or chocolates every time. Simply taking a moment to give a timely “well done” to one of your team goes a long way.
Give clear, detailed and honest feedback
Of course, there will be times when you need to address a problem with a member of staff and have one of those “difficult conversations.” When this situation arises be sure to have the conversation promptly and in private. Try to listen to the staff member first and remain objective, then present your facts giving specific examples in an honest and simple way. You should aim to resolve any issues and create an action plan with the teacher so they can move forward feeling supported and ready to make the necessary improvements. Don’t forget to check in regularly with them too, this will help maintain the momentum and show that you care about their progress.
Offer quality professional development
It’s important your team keeps up to date with developments in education and qualifications; have meetings with your team to get an understanding of their training needs. Research shows that giving teachers the time to complete CPD can boost pupils’ attainment and improve teacher retention. Formal training can include conferences, courses, seminars and workshops; whilst informal opportunities for teacher professional development include undertaking their own research, peer learning by observing a colleague teaching a class, or even just talking with a colleague in the staff room. These development opportunities are valuable and important.
Good mental health reminder!
Leaders need to encourage their team to take care of themselves mentally and physically, it’s been a challenging time for everyone. Role-modelling good mental health behaviours should encourage the team to take care of themselves: maintain a good work-life balance, get outside for exercise or fresh air, make sure you’re getting enough sleep, try to eat nutritious food and minimise the takeaways, and make time to talk to friends and family regularly.
To do their best work every day; to educate and inspire students, teachers need the support of their leaders. If you find ways to support great teaching every day, you’ll soon see what a difference this can make to your teachers and to your school or college.
“Great opportunities to help others seldom come, but small ones surround us every day.” – Sally Koch