Category: Climate

While most teachers would proudly wear a badge that says, “I’m a Team Player”, “I Support Kids”, or “Giving Support is My Superpower”; it takes special qualities to truly earn the distinction. Besides being a stellar instructional leader, an exemplary role model, a comforter of tears and fears, and a stylish fashionista, a teacher must be supportive of their students, colleagues, and administrators. Yes, I have included administrators; administrators need love too! Although, I don’t like to brag, I must admit, my team has earned a Blue Ribbon for being supportive. Today’s blog highlights how we work together to make “Awesome” happen in our school!

We started the school year laden with the usual organizational tasks: establishing school and classroom expectations, ensuring that breakfast and lunch were served in ample time, and practicing safety drills. Added to the list, was an arduous task; one that required collaboration and support from several team members. To briefly summarize the predicament, there was a grade where it was challenging to provide ample support during math instruction due to enrollment size. While I pondered how to alleviate the problem, a teacher volunteered to accept additional students into her math class. I was truly taken back by this demonstration of support shown by the teacher. As we discussed the needs of the students, she simply said,” I just want to help.” Although we continued to modify our plans during the weeks that followed, the teacher had voluntarily accepted responsibility for fifteen additional students. In my book, she deserves a badge that says, “Giving Support is My Superpower!”

My teachers demonstrate their support of our kids in many ways. They seek to build professional relationships that encompasses students’ interests within and outside of the classroom environment. While leaving the building about 5:30 p.m. one evening, a teacher mentioned that she was going to watch her student play softball. In a tweeted post, another teacher shared, “At my student’s soccer game; he supported me, so I can support him.” A very spirited teacher has crowned a stuffed animal which she adored as a child as the designated classroom mascot. Without hesitation, she has shared animated stories about her childhood. It doesn’t stop there, there have been numerous conversations focusing on how to meet the instructional needs of children, how to support children who are being raised by grandparents and other relatives, and how to simply make children understand that our school is a haven. My teachers never give up! They come to school with a SMILE, and they make AWESOME happen!

I am often at school late, typical for a school administrator. Occasionally, I am completing a task that couldn’t be started or finished during the day. Sometimes, I am planning for a special event that will be hosted the following day. Before leaving for the day, I guarantee, that five to six teachers will ask, “Can I Help?” Sometimes, they laugh and say, “You are doing too much”, and just pitch in. Their presence makes any task easier and promotes much laughter among the group. Their SUPPORT is priceless!

So you see, our success as AWESOME educators relies greatly on our ability to build relationships and to support each other! I appreciate my team because we CARE about KIDS! We don’t do average, WE DO AWESOME!!

So, most of us have heard that we should start the day with a healthy breakfast. Some of us have changed that phrase to simply “breakfast.” The shortened version allows us to indulge in the sugary specialties and caffeine boosters that we so love. Well, this post isn’t about encouraging kids to eat a healthy breakfast before coming to school or to reiterate any of the specific mantras that we educators have pocketed in our royal blue bags of motivational dust. Note, my bag is royal blue because that’s my school color; yours may be red, purple, or green. You get it, your bag represents your school color. Anyway, this post is about school climate and how it impacts the children and adults who learn, work, and succeed in our school.

I have numerous years of experience as a school administrator; the years keep flying by. I’ve been in several districts and have overseen many schools, but I must admit that my current school has the Blue Ribbon on school climate. After a few short weeks, I noticed something that wasn’t so typical…. EVERYONE COMES TO SCHOOL HAPPY! One morning, I mentioned to my amazingly awesome secretary, “Everyone here is so happy in the morning.” In the background, I heard laughter, people saying “good morning”, and the sharing of tidbits from the previous night’s attempt to unwind. Their conversations were genuine, thoughtful comments were shared, and in some instances, a new voice would join a conversation. While this is what happens inside the building, what happens before my team enters the building is equally as impressive.

Outside, before entering the building, one sees individuals walking in clusters, anxious to start the day. They are talking and smiling. Helping hands are extended to those of us who have more bags than hands. Door holding is a common courtesy. Rest assured, if you are out of your car, someone is holding the door for you! I too, reciprocate the courtesy. One morning, I was ahead of a group of 3; I held the door while saying “Git-it Up Mustangs!” They all laughed and said “Comin’ Boss.” Hence the beginning of a great day!

I add my 2 scoops to the cup of morning happiness by saying “good morning, how’s it going, cute dress, nice haircut, etc.”, each a genuine comment to a specific person. Before the instructional day starts, I visit each classroom to tell my kids “good morning.” Sometimes a “good morning” leads to a quick review of the days of the week, a short paragraph read to me, a lesson in shoe tying, and sometimes a simple nod to let me know that yesterday’s problem was solved. I know that my kids love for me to visit their classrooms each morning. If something happens and I miss a classroom, a student or teacher will let me know that I was missed. My “good mornings” are second nature and they have a great impact! My kids say “good morning” when passing in the hallways; I compliment the kids and make them laugh! I also see the amazing things my teachers are doing to help Our kids move forward. I see small group instruction. I hear compliments about new gym shoes, coats, haircuts, hair styles, anything that will make a kid smile. I hear teachers saying, “I am so glad you came to school!” I see HOW MUCH my AMAZINGLY AWESOME TEAM CARES!

So, that’s how WE start OUR day.  We make it happen, all Hooves UP!

P.S. Our mascot is a Mustang.