In today’s educational landscape, given the increased focus on rebuilding the educational system post-COVID, it is understandable that the well-being and morale of teachers are crucial for fostering a positive learning environment. Ensuring that teachers are supported as they continue to be held to high expectations is paramount to student success and improved teacher capacity to perform. As an administrator, you have the power to create a supportive school culture that not only enhances teacher performance but also promotes their mental health. Here are four effective strategies to protect teacher morale and mental health: communicating with purpose, providing actionable feedback, celebrating team and individual accomplishments related to student outcomes, and reframing unintended consequences.
Communicating with Purpose
Effective communication is the cornerstone of any organization. The school building is no exception. Clear, purposeful communication ensures that teachers’ time is valued, information is given promptly that does not disrupt their flow of instruction, and concerns are understood and addressed. During the challenging seasons of the school year, it is important to establish open lines of communication to develop a culture of collaboration and support.
Have an open-door policy. This is not for complaining, but for creating a safe space for problem-solving. Include regularly scheduled meetings and check-ins, both formally and informally to facilitate dialogue. Assume the best by listening actively and responding thoughtfully. Be transparent about school changes, and continue to set clear expectations. When the “why” is given for any potentially disruptive change within the school year, teachers will feel more valued and reduce uncertainty. This ensures the focus remains on supporting their students without sacrificing their peace of mind.
Providing Clear Feedback
Feedback is essential for professional growth, but it must be delivered in a way that is actionable to be effective. As an administrator, your feedback should empower teachers to improve and feel confident in their abilities. When providing feedback, be sure that it is clear. Teachers should be able to articulate specifically what actions you want them to take. This eliminates confusion and builds confidence in the professional relationship. Be specific about what was observed as having been done well, and be clear about what the action should be to correct an area of improvement. Focusing on specific behaviors and outcomes increases the level of confidence the teacher has because they know how to improve their practice.
Feedback should be an ongoing process. Follow up with teachers to see how they are progressing and offer additional support as needed. This shows that you are invested in their development and success, which can significantly boost their morale. Not only will this increase their morale, but it will also increase their accountability to students. They will see as they implement your feedback and their practice improves, their student impact will follow suit.
Celebrate Team and Individual Accomplishments
Recognizing and celebrating achievements is a powerful way to boost morale and motivate teachers. Celebrations should highlight both individual and team successes, particularly those that positively impact student outcomes. Having your teachers complete a short survey on how they prefer to receive appreciation can make the celebrations more meaningful and create a greater sense of belonging among the staff. When celebrating, connect the direct impact teachers have had on student outcomes because of their investment and hard work. Give specific praise. Don’t just say “Good job”, but be specific, “consistently implementing small groups increased your student impact”. Be clear about what you are celebrating. This is a great way to have teachers continue the actions that positively impact students, and remind them of their best practices.
Take the time to acknowledge individual teacher contributions to the school community. Whether this is through a shout-out during a staff meeting, a note of appreciation, or a small token of appreciation left on the desk, recognizing individual contribution highlights the hard work of those teachers who are committing themselves to doing what is best for students. They will know, that you know, and this will build their morale and confidence.
Reframe Unintended Consequences
In the thralls of the school day, there are opportunities when well-meaning actions may be received negatively. These unintended consequences have a way of sucking the joy out of any school day. As an administrator, learning to reframe these situations through focused communication, maintains the school morale while ensuring a solution-oriented mindset that will support your teacher’s mental health. When unintended consequences happen, the first step is to acknowledge that they happened without casting blame. Work with your teachers to understand the impact and collaboratively develop solutions. This approach shows that you value their input and are committed to developing more effective solutions moving forward.
Encourage a growth mindset, but model it. View the challenges on your campus as opportunities for learning and development. When mistakes are made, frame them as part of the learning process rather than failures. This is not to ignore the impact of any situation but to be willing to dive deep to see the growth potential. Taking this perspective can promote a more positive outlook among your teachers.
Protecting teacher morale and mental health is a challenging endeavor that requires intentional actions and a supportive school culture. By communicating with purpose, providing actionable feedback, celebrating achievements, and reframing unintended consequences, administrators can create a positive and nurturing school culture.
Remember, a thriving school community starts with the well-being of its teachers. By prioritizing their mental health and morale, you are not only supporting them but also fostering a more effective and inspiring school culture for students. Your efforts as an administrator are important in shaping a supportive, resilient, and thriving educational community.
About the Author
Mrs. Randy Richards has over a decade of experience as a leader within educational organizations. She is an advocate of the belief that effective systems, grounded in best practices that support community and staff development through equitable practices, are foundational for affecting change. She is the author of the book Before the First Day, which encourages anyone in their first year of teaching.
Mrs. Richards currently holds a Master of Science in Educational Leadership from DeVry University and a Bachelor of Business Administration in Statistics from CUNY Baruch College. She is the founder of The Grain LLC, an organization committed to providing professional development, and innovative design services, helping to achieve academic excellence and career success. She is committed to ensuring intentionality and equity drive her work with all stakeholders of partnered organizations.
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