Appreciation and Resilience
The two chapters you are reading this week (or atleast commenting on this week) were both very good chapters. As I read the chapter on appreciation there were many times that I had questions in my own mind, like ... "Do I do that?" , "Do staff members know just how much I appreciate them?", Do parents feel appreciated", etc. As much as I enjoyed reading the chapter, I have found it very difficult to ask questions about it. If I ask you if you feel supported/appreciated by your administrator (whether that be Rick, Dave, Diana, Eric, Matt or myself) I am not sure what kind of honesty we would get with your names attached to your responses.
Before going into any kind of question, I want to let you know that I truly appreciate all that each one of you do. Both chapters talk a lot about how educating children is very difficult, but you all do it with such ease. You are all wonderful at what you do and I know that comes with a lot of effort, time, stress, and much, much more. One goal of mine when coming into administration, is to always remember what I felt like as a teacher. There were times (in 15 years) that I didn't feel appreciated and I promised myself to put showing appreciation at the top of my to do list. In the past 1 1/2 years, every time Dave and I ask for volunteers, we always get a lot of staff members willing to help out. I am not sure that all administrators could say that. If you are in the elementary building, I hope you feel valued and appreciated by both Dave and I. We truly value and appreciate you and are very thankful to work with such a wonderful staff.
Now for the questions...
I am mainly going to focus on Chapter 10 (Appreciation) although some of it does overlap with Chapter 11 (Resilience).
Ron Clark breaks this chapter into 3 sections that I want to focus on.
1- How can Administrators Show Appreciation for Teachers?
2- How Teachers Can Show Appreciation for Parents
3- Tips for Superintendents
The first two questions are mainly to help the administrators in our district grow. If we know what makes you feel appreciate it is easier to know what we need to do to get better or even know what we are doing right. The third question is mainly to share ideas that others can use.
Question 1-
Give two or three ways your administrator (principal) can show you appreciation. This could be something that is already being done, or something you wish could be done. Make it almost like a top 2 or 3 list, although I know there are many more that could be listed. If you have a good story (from any administrator) or more details that you want to share, feel free to do so.
Question 2-
Give two or three ways Mr. Smith can show you appreciation. Same as before, it is almost a top 2 or 3 list.
Question 3-
What do you do to show parents that you appreciate them. I would like for this question to be something that other teachers/staff members can learn from. I have seen staff members do things that really show parents appreciation and I actually think we could list more great ideas than Ron Clark even put in the book. This question is your chance to share.
Thanks for the wonderful discussions that are happening every week on the blog. I know that we are all learning a lot from each other.
Have a GREAT week!
Vickie
It is nice to feel appreciated, especially after you have gone to extra effort in some way. For me, just being told, "I liked how you did ....." means a lot to me. When I just get a comment after, say, and IEP meeting from a co-worker or administrator that it went well, or I did a good job in some way, I am on top of the world. I guess I am one who responds well to positive comments from my students, my kids parents, co-teachers, or administrators. Dave and Vickie are good at remembering birthdays and special occasions by giving special gifts, which I really appreciate. I don't know, I guess I am old fashioned, but for me, a thank you note means a great deal. I have noticed that people don't seem to send thank you notes like they used to, but when I want to let someone know I really appreciate something they did for me, I send them a note.
ReplyDeleteI probably need to let parents know how much I appreciate what they do at home with our kids. On every Friday Folder letter, I always, say, "Thanks for your support and help at home", but I think other special notes going home, like Wildcat Grams, would be a good way to let parents know how much their help is appreciated.
I really enjoyed the chapter on appreciation because, like Vickie, it made me look at myself. I too had to ask myself that same question..."Do I do that?" Very often, more than I like to admit, I forget to let someone know I appreciate them. For instance, I am terrible at sending thank you notes. I always think, I need to send them a thank you note. Unfortunately, as time goes by, I put it off because I think too much time has passed. I do try to thank people in person or let them know how much I appreciate them. I think administrators can show their appreciation by doing just that. Telling staff that they notice their hard work and dedication. Notes on our desks, mailboxes, or boards are great too. Dave and Vickie, I think you have done a great job at this! I also appreciate the open door policy. My first teaching position was great, but I hated going into the office because my principal scared me. She was very strict with the teachers, as well as the students. She was also very hard to talk with about issues or ideas. I love that I can go into the office and speak with either of you about anything and you are always supportive.
ReplyDeleteI have to say that when I first saw Mr. Smith in the build I always got so nervous, but now I think it is great seeing him in our building. It shows that he is interested in what is going on in our building and that he appreciates all the hard work we put into our classrooms, students, and building. I think the same goes for superintendents, a nice email, note, or word of appreciation is always nice to hear. I love what Ron said about teachers, "...truly excellent teachers, view their students as if they were their own children, and during the school year they feel the pressure of making a life's worth of difference in each one of those students," and a thank you or kind word from a superintendent or administrator, just letting you know they see your commitment, can ease that pressure.
I often show my parents I appreciate them by sending home notes and emails. I tell them how much I appreciate the time and support they spend with their students, and all of their hard work and effort show during the school day in their children.
I agree with Jen about appreciating the open door policy. I have never gone into either Dave or Vickie's office and felt uneasy or like an intruder. You both do a GREAT job of communicating with us, supporting us, and showing appreciation. These are some of the reasons I love working in this building. :)
ReplyDeleteI feel the atmosphere here has changed over the last few years. I know that we are appreciated as a staff. I enjoy the Staff meeting "Celebrations" that we share. That shows that our personal lives are important to our teaching family. I think that makes connections with each other and that is very important to help us work together as a staff. I appreciated the note on my white board from Vickie at the beginning of the year that simply stated "thanks for the hard work" and having my room ready for the school year. I appreciate things like that. A kind word goes along way to make me feel appreciated. I think Mr. Smith coming through and teaching in our buildings shows that he wants to understand us and be involved with the students and teachers. As far as parents, I always take time to thank them for their help with cards and small gifts if they volunteer etc. I always add notes into my Newsletter to thank them for turning in notes or taking care of things at home to help their child, etc. I hope parents know that I value their place of importance in the education of their child. I depend on them to help me to help their child.
ReplyDeleteQuestion #1- I think the ideas at this school of showing appreciation are amazing. The birthday pen, the staff meetings, and the “secret pal” are great examples of how we are shown our appreciation. I also agree with Debbie B. Thank you notes are not used like they used to be. I am so guilty of that. I think sending a quick little note to say “thanks” is so great. It can really brighten a day
ReplyDeleteQuestion #2-When Mr. Smith sent a birthday greeting I was so shocked. I had never seen that before. I was so impressed. I also agree with seeing him in the hallway and he acknowledges us, that is nice to have him involved with our school.
Question #3- I know from the parent side, when I volunteered in the classroom- I would receive little thank you notes, flowers, something little to show that I was appreciated. This was always so nice, so now as a teacher myself, I know that is something that I will do for my volunteers. I also think that the little notes home to the parents for their involvement and dedication to their students is great. Along with the newsletters, naming parents that help is also a great way to show appreciation.
I think Dave and Vickie do a great job at making us feel appreciated. Like others have said, I have appreciated the birthday pen, Vickie's note on the dry erase board at the beginning of the year(in fact, I left that up for quite awhile because everytime I walked into my room in the summer, it was a positive reinforcement that motivated me each day), and those little notes that say "Thanks for your help! We couldn't have done it without you!" The bulletin board featuring teachers also shows we are appreciated! Like Ali, I was suprised when I got a birthday e-card from Mr. Smith. That was really nice of him!!!
ReplyDeleteWith parent volunteers, I always make sure I say "Thank you for coming in!" I want them to know I appreciate them taking time out of their busy day to help with things at school. Plus it sends a valuable message to our children that education is important.
Administrators: Weekly we get confirmation that our administrators appreciate what we are doing to support the mission of our school, and this is good for morale. I think everyone likes to be appreciated and just like our students some need more reassurance than others. Most of us are looking for some sort of validation that we are doing things right. A simple “I like the lesson I saw in your class the other day” “Your students were really attentive to your lesson” “ I think it is a good idea how you…” , etc. Letting a staff member know when you have heard positive comments about something they have done or are involved with are also good.
ReplyDeleteSuperintendent: As a general rule superintendents’ can’t be in the building enough to know exactly what is going on in every classroom, so it is more difficult for them to make the kinds of comments I discussed above. A smile, hello, how is it going, I hear..…. is working for your students, etc. Dr. Young once told me when she came to my room she didn’t want to leave- I was really scared of her-but that comment gave me validation.
I think it is important to verbally show our appreciation to parents so they know that we appreciate their efforts, and I think it pushes them to keep doing good things. Letting them know what their children are doing right is also important. I remember a Middle School cafeteria worker telling me that my son was the most mannerly child that came through the line. I’m pretty sure that may not have been exactly true, but the manners he had shown her made an impression and I certainly was proud to hear her say that. I wonder if I have said something positive to a parent that they remember years later. I used to put a quick note in the child’s agenda or even in the comment section on their grade card. I would buy Christmas thank you gifts for my parent volunteers. One thing we did as a class was each child wrote a Thank You letter, and I bound it into a book. I am bad at writing and sending any kind of card, and I really need to write more thank-you notes.
I agree with what has already been commented on. I especially agree with Belinda that our celebrations help me connect with staff members I don't get to talk with very often. As for showing appreciation, I don't have new ideas for Dave, Vickie or Rick because everything new or different I can think of have a financial cost attached to them. I would say that hearing a teacher's name mentioned during the morning announcements is pretty cool.
ReplyDeleteAs for parents, I hope I show my appreciation for what they might do for me or my class. I acknowledge them in my newsletter, send thank you notes, buy small gifts when appropriate and include a thank you for helping their student on the grade card comment section. I also make a real effort to thank those VIP parents or Project More tutors. Nothing fancy, I just make a point to acknowledge their efforts.
With such a large staff it can be hard to show appreciation to each person individually. In my past one of the things that I appreciated about one principal in particular was that he knew me. I'll admit, I am not an open book person, I am private, not rudely, I mean, I'll share if seems appropriate, but I don't go around telling just anyone about my personal trials or even my personal goals. But, Mike, he took the time to get to know me, to have professional conversations, where even though he was the administrator he valued my expertise, he saw that in some situations, I did have more insight than he. Also, I went to several trainings about Quality Tools (something I believe really demonstrates showing appreciation and teaching children they have a voice and ownership...but I digress) at any rate, the key speaker Ryan Delany shared how even if it was only 20 seconds in the morning he visited each teacher's classroom every day and asked them how they were...I mean, wow, it may be a quick, I'm okay or great or not so good, but I imagine it made each person feel like they mattered. At the end of the day I too appreciate little notes, thank you pens, and a general feeling of respect. It's all very thoughtful and I know it takes time to prepare those, but investing in people I believe really shows appreciation.
ReplyDeleteI too have to ask myself, "do I do that?" when it comes to being grateful for parents. I always acknowledge appreciation in my newsletters if we've had an event where I needed items or volunteers. My mother is the queen of thank you notes, so I feel like I'm letting her down if I don't write them, so I am pretty good at that. I do encourage an open door policy, as many of you, but I know it's hard for parents to get out of work, etc. Where I think I am more fortunate than many classroom teachers (because I have been a regular teacher too) is that I have to develop a relationship with my parents through the evaluation process. I go their homes, I spend time on the phone with them or converse in emails, and for many I am their first contact with school. Plus, most of them didn't really realize or haven't yet come to terms with their child's special issues. They are so vulnerable and often there are tears. Through that, a bond is forged and a relationship develops. I just have to remember to share how much I appreciate what they do at home a little more deliberately...that's my new goal:
I'm one of those teachers who has been here a while and the atmosphere in our building has changed tremendously. I very much feel appreciated in our building as this hasn't always been the case. I feel very comfortable walking into Dave or Vickie's office knowing that what ever may be on my mind that they will help me fix the problem. I agree with Debbie in that birthday cards are sent out and it is very much appreciated even for my age! I also like notes of thank you on a job well done. This will make anyone's day. I also like to see Mr. Smith in our building like Jen said. I do feel like he is very much interested in what we do at the elementary building.
ReplyDeleteAs far as parents, I also send emails home thanksing parents for the job well done. I wish we had more parents that help their students out. I keep hoping that more parents will get involved, and I think they will.
The chapter on appreciation was great. It made me reflect on what is really important in our roles…it isn’t about a “test”, or a reading log, or the signing of a form. It’s about children. In some cases, it’s about making them feel secure, making them feel valued, and providing a door to their future.
ReplyDeleteTeachers appreciate administrators words of support. Even a smile or have a great day means a lot. I love to hear a teachers name on the announcements in the morning and the students do too. That is so important and reinforces what positive things are happening in our school. Acts of kindness, the wildcat way, showing appreciation for each other,but just as we have high expectations for our students, I think we should for ourselves and the entire staff as well.
I agree with others about what has already been said about ways of showing appreciation.
Parents are so important for the success of my class room. I also show how much I appreciate parents for all the help they provide by thanking them in newsletters, personal notes sent home and if they are doing work for the class a sweet treat. That always seems to work. It seems that the small things mean more. I am so grateful to have parents willing to help.
I really enjoyed the chapter on appreciation. I definitely agree with the open door policy; it is nice to be able to stop in with a concern, question or comment, so thank you for that, Dave and Vickie.
ReplyDeleteI also agree with Heather's comment about investing in teacher/people. A genuine concern and interest in something as simple as how a teacher's day went can be quite refreshing. I think it's important for us as a staff to take time and stop in to say "hi" or check in to see how life's going, or just say thank you on our own time, not just when we see each other for staff meetings, evaluations, or some other necessity. Linda Billenstein said the other day, "I really appreciate everything you do for these kids" when dropping off her class. I have held on to that comment all week, because it was not only positive, but GENUINE, and unexpected, and a very pleasent end to my day.
I think the biggest way to show appreciation for a teacher is to trust them. I could not agree more with two of Ron Clark's statements, one in the section "How Can Administrators Show Appreciation for Teachers?" which says "In reality, the strength of a principle is measured by his or her ability to bring out the best attributes of the staff and get them to use their talents, intelligence, and creativity to meet the needs of all students." (p. 210)
And my favorite quote: "Give freedom for creativity and new ideas. The best teachers come up with creative ideas, strategies, and programs, and the best principles are willing to give them the chance to explore the new techniques." (p. 216)
As for Rick, it was absolutely WONDERFUL having him teach a music class first quarter. I felt supported and appreciated as an educator, and the students loved to see someone new in the classroom! I hung up a picture from that day because it is a great reminder that he took the time to plan and teach a music history lesson, went way out of his comfort zone, and took a moment to speak with me afterward. Thank you, Rick.
“Getting to know you, getting to know all about you…” professionally.
ReplyDeleteI am so glad that I am once again procrastinating on my post as I ponder my thoughts and views. This, um, talent of mine has allowed me to read some interesting posts that have created little bursting bubbles in my head. You know the good kind of bubbles that are flavored and yummy.
Now, appreciation is so vital for the morale and ultimately success of an organization. Without appreciation productivity suffers. In agreement with so many others, open doors are wonderful, thank you. I am so glad Bethany included from the book the quotes on appreciation. When we boil things down, we are here for the kids. We all have various skills and talents we bring to this building. For some of us, those skills may be a little unconventional at times. In order to show appreciation towards a teacher, it is important to have some faith in those skills regardless of how unconventional they may be. For example, Dr. Jan (an administrator for whom I have loads of respect) has an extremely creative staff. She expects creativity from them. When talking with her one time she shared with me a strategy one of her teachers wanted to try. Jan wasn’t on board, however, Jan told the teacher she could see that she was passionate about wanting to do this and told her give it a try, but have an exit strategy just in case. Jan trusted this teacher’s expertise and let her take a risk. Turns out it worked, it may not have and that is not the point, but Jan appreciated this teacher’s passion and skill. Jan knew her teachers. As Heather commented, she worked for a principal that got to know her and learned Heather’s skills and talents. Heather said, “he valued my expertise”. Don’t we all want to be valued? Heather also commented on Ryan Delany and his Quality Tools program. Now, Ryan was my third grade teacher and he still remembers who I am (I was a good girl). What Mr. Delany did as a teacher, principal, presenter, and now superintendent has not changed. He knew who his students, teachers, audience, staff were/are and he invested his time into them. Investing time into staff members and having faith in each person’s skills and talents will help provide authentic appreciation.
Parents, I try but I struggle here. I like many others send emails, notes, post in newsletters thank you notes for donations. When it comes to time, I cannot thank parents enough. The arts festival comes to mind. I spend A LOT of time preparing the show and it ends up taxing my entire family. When I have good quality help from parents, those parents become gilded in gold in my mind. I thank them profusely verbally, and I try to get them a little something. One thing I am trying to do more of is thank parents for being parents! When I see parents of students who are very respectful, very responsible that sort of thing, I try to make it a point to thank the parent for working with their child and instilling those character traits into their child. Most parents seemed shocked that I am thanking them for raising a respectful child; however, I can tell they are pleased to hear my appreciation.
I, like Bethany, loved having Rick teach two art classes. It was so interesting to watch someone else teach, but more importantly, it showed that Rick wanted to learn more about me and what I do. The kids loved the experience also. Beyond the teaching part, what made me feel more appreciated were the conversations Rick and I had leading up to that day, and also that morning. We shared visions and hopes and directions. We were able to talk openly and freely which was a wonderful feeling. Rick and I brought up Ryan Delany many times as we shared there is value in what he does. Rick certainly took a risk coming into my classroom. He shared his nerves about teaching art and was certainly out of his comfort zone. I really felt like he had a great appreciation for what I do when he left my room.
The thing I have liked most about coming to the elementary are the people I work with - teachers and administrators. There is a very caring and supportive staff at NUES. I feel like Dave and Vickie support us 100%. Like others, I also appreciate the gifts from Dave and Vickie. I love jean days and have told Vickie that at this building they are always coming up with creative reasons to wear jeans. I was amazed when Ashle T. told me at her husband's school the principal's Christmas gift to the staff was letting them wear jeans the whole month of December!!!
ReplyDeleteAs far as thanking parents, I was really good at this at the middle school. I sent home 5 Wildcat Grams every week and always sent Thank You's to dance chaperones. I admit, I haven't been doing that here. I have thought about sending Thank You's to parents that help with parties but I didn't know who they were. I know, not a good excuse. For the Valentines party I'm going to try very hard to get the names of all the 5th grade parent volunteers and send them Thank You's.
I, too, agree with many of the comments others have made about how administrators can show appreciation for teachers. When a teacher is putting in so many hours, it's nice to see that someone notices and appreciates your efforts. Little gifts are always nice and unexpected, but I think words and notes mean the most to me. I also write thank you notes to parents, make phones calls, write in student agendas and talk to parents personally. I have the students make things for our volunteers as well. At conferences once, I told one of my parents that her daughter was the most well mannered student that I had ever had and I appreciated it. I also told her that I wanted to know her secret to accomplishing this so I could use it with my own child one day! I know I have many hard working parents and I need them to know that I appreciate their time and effort. As far as tips for Superintendents, I think the same ideas I mentioned above could be used by a superintendent to show the staff appreciation. At a previous district I taught in, the superintendent made a point to do a walk through every couple of weeks in the morning before school. He would stop in the classroom before the kids arrived to say good morning, ask how things were going, ask how was my family and wish me a good day. Another thing he did that meant a lot to me was that after Proficiency/Achievement tests were over he would stop in each fourth grade teachers' room and thank us for preparing the students and putting in a lot of extra time/enduring a lot of stress. When our test results came back, he would send a handwritten note to each of the fourth grade teachers thanking us for our efforts. It certainly meant a lot to all of us that he did that.
ReplyDeleteLike everyone else, I feel that Dave and Vickie do a great job of showing how much they appreciate us. I often think to myself that I hope we give them "a pat on their backs" as much as they do for us. I feel that they are very encouraging and very supportive over our building as a whole. Like Debbie said, just a simple "good job" after an IEP meeting, or hearing good things that you are doing during an observation just means so much. It helps to give you that little extra confidence or endurance on a day when you really may need it.
ReplyDeleteAs many others have stated, I was also very shocked when I got my first birthday e-card from Mr. Smith. I thought that was very impressive that he sends one of those to every staff member on their birthday. Kelli, the ideas above from you previous school are great! Hand written notes are always so nice to get!
When it comes to showing appreciation to parents, I try to give parents a lot of positive reinforcement during IEP meetings and during parent teacher conferences and/or phone conferences. I do not think that I send notes home enough though, and I know that this is an area in which I would love to improve! A few years ago, I would send home Wildcat grams like Linda, but I have gotten away from that. I would like to make it a personal goal to start sending wildcat grams home again. I know that it not only reinforces students, but it reinforces parents as well!
This was a great chapter to make you do some thinking. I know showing appreciation is a hard thing to remember to do. I also think appreciation can be tricky to make sure it is not over done and becomes insincere. I agree with the many others who commented here such as Debbie and Jessica that I do believe Dave and Vickie try to make an effort to let staff know they are appreciated. I like others who posted here like to feel appreciated. It makes us feel like we are doing something worthwhile in a job that can be exhausting and underappreciated by many. As an adminstrator, it is nice for them to be aware and always looking for things staff members do to compliment and let them know how much thier work is appreciated. It has been nice that Dave and Vickie have taken the time to honor birthdays and special events. When you feel a part of something in a personal way then you do feel appreciated.
ReplyDeleteI think we can all say when the super recognizes something we have done as a teacher and publicly shows appreciation then we feel good about what we are doing.
The tricky part of appreciation is showing it to the parents of our students. I will send out emails or postcards in the mail to let parents know I appreciate them espically if they have been involved or supportive in working with thier child when I have reached out to them for help. I also have sent notes to parents of students who do very well academically or behaviorly to let them know how much I appreciate them working with their student and supporting thier child. I do believe we should take more oppurtunties to make and tell our student's parents they are appreciated. Once again, making that personal connection is helpful in our building up our school community and making those partnerships that has been shown to increase student achievement and I do believe we have witnessed that over the last year!
As Vickie commented, I want to say that I appreciate the staff here at NUE! I can truly say I work with alot of great teachers. I have had others from outside the school tell me they can't believe how caring our staff is and how well everyone gets along. I appreciate that and it makes me feel good to know that I have a family at my job!
Question 1-
ReplyDeleteGive two or three ways your administrator (principal) can show you appreciation.
I like the Celebrations at Staff meetings too, because we can share our personal lives with those we don't see often. Just the other night, someone said to Linda Davis, "I didn't know you had a grandson!" We don't see each other very often and it was nice for her to get to tell about him. I like that time. When we finish a degree or have something that is important to us to share, I like sharing it with my "other" family! I also like the Wildcat Grams that used to be sent out. Dave gave me one that apologized for "butting into" my lesson that he was evaluating. It was a good lesson, as he told me, happened to be more of a spur of a moment thing that happened, and he got excited with us. I was thrilled! I still have it in my email...won't export that one! Just those little things like Vickie's notes on the board when we have worked on opening our rooms, are important. We all like to be appreciated, and it is nice to know that we are.
Question 2-
Give two or three ways Mr. Smith can show you appreciation. I am at a loss here. I loved the meeting before school started when he stood on a chair and applauded the elementary for working so hard. I have never been appreciated like that and it felt good to have our hard work recognized. I guess, notes to let us know he notices things, just to pick us up from the trenches we work in some days, would be nice.
Question 3-
What do you do to show parents that you appreciate them? I sign off most emails with parents by thanking them for supporting their child in their education, by asking questions or sharing their concerns. I have to admit, this made me really think about that. I have shown appreciation to Donna, as the volunteer for helping me but haven't done a good job of this overall. I will in the future!
I agree with Bethany on it is nice that Dave and Vickie keep an open door policy and always seem willing to listen and always consider what the teachers have to say. I like Vickie's comment that her goal as admin was to not lose sight of what it was like to be a teacher. It seems admin often do lose this the longer they are in that position and then don't always take the time to give appreciation. I also like the celebration time at staff meetings like Patti said.
ReplyDeleteQuestion 1-
ReplyDeleteGive two or three ways your administrator (principal) can show you appreciation.
Since I have been in the school (district) I have seen so much appreciation that Dave and Vicki give their teachers it is wonderful. Giving the birthday pens and the thank you notes in the mail boxes for helping during activities are all great ways to show appreciation to the teachers. I think that all of things that they do for their staff is wonderful, even just stopping in and looking at the work being done in the classroom, and the staff celebrations are great I have never been in a school where the staff is so supportive of one another. Growing up my mother has always had us send Thank You notes for anything we receive being birthday gifts, any type of gift we had to send a Thank You card/note. So I am just always one to send a note of Thanks after something nice has been done for me.
Question 2-
Give two or three ways Mr. Smith can show you appreciation.
I have been in several different schools during my field placements and student teaching and even substituting and I have never seen a Superintendent in the building like Mr. Smith is. I enjoy seeing him walking around and looking at the students work in the hallways and even in the classroom. I think that this breaks the ice for the teachers because in the other buildings (districts) that I have been in the teachers get nervous when they see the Superintendent walk in the room because they are not use to him/her being around. So it great that he comes into the school regularly because it shows the teachers that they are appreciated and their hard work is valued.
Question 3-
What do you do to show parents that you appreciate them.
I have seen many different things that teachers do to show parents that they are appreciated. I was in a classroom and the teacher would write in the students agenda and say thank you for all your help at home, this let the parents now that all the work they do with the students at home whether it be helping them study for a test or help on some homework, their effort and time is appreciated. For the parents that come into the school and volunteer to help in the classroom, I have seen the teachers write notes home, or the whole class made a card for the parent and even gifts bought for the parent. This shows them that their time and effort is also appreciated. I think anytime someone says “thank you”, or “great job” brightens someone’s day.
Give two or three ways your administrator (principal) can show you appreciation.
ReplyDeleteI really liked the pen in my mailbox after helping out with the Wee Cat event. It was a nice reminder how much my time at the school away from my family was really appreciated. I also enjoyed having my name called over the announcements and wearing a sticker! The kids were very aware and made compliments on my sticker. It made them take a second to say thank you, too!!!
Give two or three ways Mr. Smith can show you appreciation.
I agree with others that the birthday message was a nice token of remembrance and appreciation. I’ve never been wished a happy birthday by a superintendent. I think the undercover boss thing is also a great idea. I know some administrators I’ve worked with before forget about all the effort and planning that goes into a single lesson. Having Mr. Smith come over to teach shows how in touch he still is with all of us.
What do you do to show parents that you appreciate them?
I always make sure to thank them for taking time to meet with me or talking with me on the phone. But I feel like I need to make more of an effort in this area. For example, when their kids show manners at school, sending a note home thanking them for teaching their child that skill.
Some ways that administrators can show appreciation are just some nice comments coming our way when you've seen how hard a person has worked or what a difficult time a teacher has gone through. Maybe showing some concern when someone has a spouse who is ill, just to let them know you care. A get together out of the school setting is a great way to show appreciation where everyone can relax. One thing Mr. Todd used to do was to pop in our rooms everyday to say hi. I knew he was doing it to check on us but he did it in such a friendly matter you would never had known. He sometimes took the kids to recess to give us a liitle more time to get things done as he knew just how busy we alsways were. Just those two small acts of kindness made us absolutely love having him for a principal. he was the best.
ReplyDeleteAs for parents I always thank them for whta ever they do. I have made phone calss, written notes and thanked them in person. I have also sent suveys on how my parents think I'm doing. They always came back with positive comments.
The birthday card is nice from the superintendant is a nice gesture. A visit to the classroom is a nice idea to just even to say a quick hello. Maybe a spotlight on a couple teacgers in his Rick's news from things he noticed from just popping in classrooms would be a nice addition to his news.
Jessica, I had not met anyone who worked with, let alone had Ryan as a teacher...how cool is that. I'm totally going to have to come down and chat with you about being in his class:)
ReplyDeleteI think Dave and Vickie do an amazing job at making me feel appreciated! Even though I was very disappointed (and they were too) that we did not meet the 5th grade Math indicator last year, they made me feel good about the gains we have made. I was just talking with my husband, who is a teacher, and we were discussing the differences in our administration. He has one administrator that is rarely in the building and one he doesn't see very often. I told him that I'm glad I work in a building where I feel appreciated and supported by my administration so thank you, Dave & Vickie! I also enjoy the celebration at staff meetings and birthday pen but the personal comments are the best! As for the superintendent, nothing beats a face to face conversation and stopping in the classroom to say hi and see how hard the students are working. I think this is important for the teacher and students to know that their hard work is not going unnoticed. As for parents, I wish I was a little more creative in thanking them, but I usually send them a thank you note, write it in the newsletter, or thank them in person at conferences. Linda Davis does a nice job with showing appreciation to parents who help out with class parties by sending them a personalized thank you note!
ReplyDeleteFirst of all, Vickie, thank you for the kind words and I do feel valued by my administration. The morale has improved greatly in our building and I am reminded daily that I work in a wonderful school. There is so much being done in our school already; posting birthdays, cards/gifts on b-days, celebrations at staff meetings, regular everyday compliments, etc. A year or so ago, I remember getting a wildcat gram from Dave on a lesson I taught. I really appreciated that! As for Mr. Smith, I think he does a great job at showing appreciation on the days he takes on another responsibility/job in our district (teaching in the classroom, riding the bus, etc.) Also in having the privilege to serve on the DQLT as well as attend a conference in DC with him and other staff, I have heard the compliments and appreciation for what we do and it is very sincere. It does make a difference.
ReplyDeleteI think when we attend Dads and Donuts, Moms and Muffins, Wildcat Olympics, Mini Cat Spirit Night, etc., we are letting parents/families know that we value them. In addition to wanting the parents to attend these events, when the staff attends, at least for me, it is my way of thanking them. The 5th grade team always volunteers at the PTO Family Fun Night, this is another way to let them feel appreciated.