Three Simple Ways to Celebrate Teachers
I was walking around school, thinking about a unique way to celebrate a recognition the staff received. Two specialists were talking in their office, so I asked them if they had any ideas.
"Post-it notes," said one.
"Really?" I asked.
"Yes, that would be nice," commented the other specialist. "Teachers appreciate having those items around when a parent calls or they have to jot down a reminder."
I thanked them and walked away while they then conversed about all the benefits of Post-it notes. I'm glad I asked because it was a good reminder for me that the act of recognizing staff members' efforts and successes is more important than the actual item. Next are three simple ways to celebrate our teachers.
Personal notes - I have small stationary notepads made every year. Although my name is on them, they are not for me; I'll write personal notes of thanks for all staff members and put it in their mailboxes. I try to keep the language specific to them and their actions. For example, I noticed a teacher recently using a students' own writing during a guided reading lesson. Instead of writing, "Great job on that lesson!", I wrote "I was impressed with how you connected students' own writing to the reading lesson. Thank you for living out our beliefs in your instruction!"
Recognition at the beginning of staff meetings - These monthly gatherings can feel like one more thing to do if we don't start on a positive note. That is why a running agenda item, top of the list, is "Celebrations and Announcements". I defer to teachers to share their own successes and encourage staff to recognize others. Recognition is both personal and professional. In this way, I am not inadvertently creating a climate of competition or positioning someone as "the principal's pet". Starting a staff meeting this way sets the tone for the rest of our time together.
Sharing out visual artifacts - I can personally recognize teachers in a more discrete way by sharing images and video depicting our staff in action. For example, I send out holiday cards to close family members with a picture of their loved ones working with kids. Also, I use Twitter to post photos I capture while walking through classrooms and in the hallways. In addition, my weekly staff newsletter depicts teachers and students learning together. Three years in my current position, teachers are great about sending me pictures via email for me to share out.
3rd Graders video chatting with Julia, a scientist and author, about the nonfiction books she has written. #3rdchat #PointerNation pic.twitter.com/IWVXiMVml1
— Matt Renwick (@ReadByExample) December 7, 2018
How do you or your school leaders celebrate teachers in your building? Please share your ideas in the comments.