The holiday break is over! We are twelve days into the New Year and educators are settling back into the routine of classrooms, curriculum, tedious accountability documents, grades, parents and kids…. many of which are already counting down to Spring Break. I’ve been there…I get it! Though I understand the sentiments, it really is bothersome given the fact that my child is also returning to those same classrooms. As an understanding educator, I am still left feeling cautious about the influences that his teachers will have on his school experiences.
It is an autonomous process when educators are forced to reflect on their professional industry and practices when their child becomes the consumer of the system they are a part of. The intersection of teacher quality is a difficult conversation for parents who are also teachers; it’s a journey I know all too well. There is this unpredictable battle between understanding how so many legitimate concerns contribute to withered teacher motivation; while wanting your child and every other student to be afforded the attention of a thriving, energetic educator.
Academic discourse and educational reform efforts are continually exploring the experiences of teachers, however; I am most convinced that we must indulge more frequently in intentional programming to improve the professional experiences of educators. It is necessary to commit to a training regime that moves beyond motivational speakers and inspirational evangelist. Our teachers are in need of personal development experiences that support the development of their overall well-being.
Leaders can begin the process by exploring these few tips:
- Survey the moral of your staff: Truth is leaders rarely take into account the moral level of their staff. Develop frequent communication modes for teachers to articulate their current energy level and allow for a free non-judgmental climate for teachers to express their needs.
- Revise personal development training’s: Take the time to develop your teachers as humans. Create opportunities for them to evaluate and challenge their values, their goals, their fears, hopes and weaknesses. Be open to helping teachers navigate their past experiences and the influence that they may have on their ability to be productive individuals, teachers and colleagues. Create spaces for teachers to embrace training and challenge them to commit to the process.
- Implement a coaching program: Teachers are often coached through the process of implementing new teaching strategies or classroom techniques…it’s a notion that adds another level of intimate support and guidance. The one-on-one support (sincere support) contributes to a climate of transparency, and exemplifies commitment to building educators who are holistically capable of teaching their students.
Wykesha Hayes is a serial entrepreneur with a passion for social-entrepreneurship and education. She is a certified educator, speaker, CEO of the Keey Group, LLC and founder of Keey 4 Kommunities, inc. She is sought after to ignite transformation and exceptional functioning by providing consulting services, workshops, trainings, and curriculum design. Follow Wykesha on twitter, facebook or linkedin.
