Encouragement from Administration
During one of our many staff meetings, my principal got up to speak. For whatever reason, she had quite the message to deliver that day and I raced to grab paper and pencil to capture her passionate, sage advice:
- You will make the school what it needs to be and we are here to support you.
- Its by design, not by chance.
- Everything you do must be strategic and all about the kids.
- There’s no excuse for a child to not be successful. We need to work harder.
I left that meeting feeling empowered. She was absolutely right. We must be purposeful in what we do. Children do not gain knowledge and skills by just showing up, drawing the lucky number, or by osmosis. What we do matters and how we do it is just as important. We need to work smarter to ensure we are reaching students and teaching the content required based on the Common Core Standards. Just because something is “fun,” does not mean it is going to help the child succeed in the college or career field. Each teacher affects 20+ students. If each teacher made purposeful, educated decisions about their instruction the school would begin to change. And with administrators who are on stand-by ready to lend a hand or ear, the school will begin to shift and gain momentum in the positive direction. We all are capable of teaching at successful schools, but we must begin to plan and execute instruction to our highest potential- the students deserve it.
What advice do you have to ensure a school becomes successful?
About the author, Gretchen
I am a teacher trainer and coach. Working elbow to elbow with teachers and teacher leaders to ensure instructional proficiency and student achievement soar lights me up. We have a real need in our nation for strong educators to remain in the field. My blog, book, podcast, courses and instructional materials are geared towards empowering teachers (and those that lead them) to receive the support needed to grow and thrive today, tomorrow and always.