Staff Brag Board

My school mascot is the Bobcat. In our staff lounge we have a paw board that celebrates our Bobcat staff. The instructions are really easy: grab a paw, write an encouraging word to a staff member, and pin to the board. Voila! You have a positive brag board.

I think this is a great way to celebrate the awesome things going on in the building. As a 3-5 teacher I am pretty separated from the K-2 teachers. I have no idea what great things they are doing because I am so far away. So, it’s great to see what other grade level teachers and their assistants are doing. Our days as teachers are so jam-packed that we often lose sight of the big picture. This is a great reminder to stop and smell the roses. Without each other, the students would not succeed. So take a  bow!

My student teacher was sweet enough to snatch a paw without me noticing. I appreciate her kind words- it means a lot to me that she feels this learning experience is worth-while. That was a nice surprise to come across one morning!

In what way does your school support one another?

Is the paw board something you’d like to implement at your school? How so?

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.

6 Comments

  1. nicoleteachingwithstyle on 10/07/2012 at 2:18 AM

    How sweet of her! I love this idea, thanks for sharing!

    • gschultek on 10/08/2012 at 9:45 PM

      I know right! Of course, pass the idea on!

  2. Janet Abercrombie on 10/08/2012 at 2:25 PM

    LOVE this idea. I’m starting my first admin job in January. This board will be one of the first things I put up in the faculty lounge.

    Thanks!

    • gschultek on 10/08/2012 at 3:06 PM

      That’s wonderful! Congratulations. You’re going to make a positive impact. 🙂

  3. Madame Szeljack on 01/18/2013 at 2:59 AM

    Love this idea! It’s perfect for a staff lounge. I think it could also do well inside a classroom where students could write positive messages to one another. Thanks for sharing! One small side note, though. I don’t want to be “that person” who nitpicks, but I’m a French teacher and I just can’t help myself. It’s voila (voilà) not walla.

    • gschultek on 01/18/2013 at 11:23 AM

      The classroom would be a great place too! If you end up giving it a try, check back in with me and let me know how it goes! (Thank you for the correction, I will make it immediately 🙂 )

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