Social Media Challenges

Posted on June 20, 2023 Written by

Social media permeates today’s society … and that’s especially true for schools.

But numerous studies show that negative or false information travels far faster and farther than the truth! Humans are actually hard-wired to attend to inflammatory information. So it’s vital that educational leaders understand this dynamic, and that they have specific plans to deal with it.

In this article, principal and author, Michael Gaskill, suggests that without proactive strategies, the power of social media will quickly lead us into its toxic swamps. He believes that in addition to creating a positive social presence for your school, you must also teach your students how to effectively navigate through the dangers of social media. The result can be a stronger, more intelligent social network in your community.

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More on Retaining Teachers (part 2)

Posted on April 18, 2023 Written by

Continuing our discussion on the challenge of teacher retention (here, here, and here), this week we’ll take a look at five foundational strategies to help avoid teacher burnout. While simple and direct, these are often the most overlooked tools in our administrative toolbox.

And with all due respect, these key attitudes are something state legislators across the country should seriously contemplate, too. Teachers often provide the necessary foundation for any meaningful, long-term systemic change … but when they are stressed to the point of burnout, no plan (no matter how brilliant) can ever be effectively implemented. Educational mandates (both from within and without) that ignore this reality rarely succeed.

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More on Retaining Teachers

Posted on April 4, 2023 Written by

As we’ve discussed before (here and here), teacher shortages are an increasingly concern! Not only are fewer teachers entering the profession, but the number of veteran teachers calling it quits continues to rise each year. And well-meaning, but misguided, legislation in some states seems to be exacerbating the problem!* That’s why the tips and techniques in those posts are so important.

Here are some additional tips aimed specifically at new teachers (who have the highest dropout rates in the profession). Jill Fletcher, a veteran classroom teacher and policy analyst for NTCE, talks about her own experience as a “newbie,” and offers these Five Ways Seasoned Veterans Can Support New Teachers. She shares some excellent ideas for helping support the newest members of your team!

*https://www.americanprogress.org/article/teacher-preparation-shortcuts-wont-solve-the-teacher-shortage/

Let us know if you implement any of these suggestions in your school, and how they worked out. We’re always looking ways readers have applied ideas found in the Blog, and we’d love to share your personal experience!

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Building Community

Posted on February 7, 2023 Written by

In our last post, David Arencibia (one of three finalists for NASSP “Principal of the Year”) talked about the importance of setting high standards and establishing a culture of FUN.

Another finalist, Donna Hayward, addresses an equally important aspect of school culture … building a sense of community and family. In this Smart Brief article , she describes her school’s journey and offers several ideas worth emulating.

One of Hayward’s biggest goals this year has been “supporting teachers who are pretty tired, pretty fried,” and letting them know that self-care is vital and that they’re among friends who can relate. The importance of a sense of community should never be underestimated. In her words, “One step at a time, we’ll get through it together!” She believes that this attitude has been a key component in significantly improving outcomes for the students, teachers, and staff at her school.

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