In these challenging times, helping your teachers feel more empowered and effective in their work is a vital task. Numerous studies (Goddard, 2001; Goddard, Hoy, & Hoy, 2000) suggest that engaged teachers have a significant impact on both school culture and student learning. In fact, according to Hattie (2016) the shared effort of engaged teachers is the single most influential factor in promoting student achievement — higher than student socioeconomic status, prior achievement, home support, motivation, concentration, and even a student’s persistence.

This article offers several specific ways that administrators can empower and motivate their instructional staff. In the words of the author, “Student growth happens when students have teachers who believe in them — and in themselves. A principal’s role is to identify how the staff fits together as a team … to build teacher confidence, motivation, and engagement through positive feedback and support. When principals do (this) … motivation and engagement will increase, creating a cycle that feeds the positive school environment all students deserve.”