8 Ways schools could stem the tide of teachers leaving
By Christopher McDermott
Administrator ' s Corner
people in our school system are the children and their parents . We will not serve them properly , until we start taking care of our teachers .
Actively encourage teachers to be a part of the creation processes in the school : It is essential that teachers are given opportunities to be part of the creation of the systems , processes and ethos that the school has , rather than mere recipients of a ‘ higher wisdom .’ By taking ownership , the teachers will feel much more a part of the school family .
Treat your teachers as individuals : We are all individuals with our own idiosyncrasies , interests , personal history and professional strengths . As leaders , we must recognise this in dealing with our teams . How do we approach particular members of staff ? For example , do we seek to speak face-to-face on important issues , or do we rely too heavily on email ?
Treat your teachers well inside and outside school : Treat all the teachers as individual human beings . As leaders , we first need to ensure that teachers are catered for in terms of their lives , inside and outside school . Are the teachers happy in their dwellings ? Do they , for example , have Internet access ? It ’ s the little things that make all the difference .
Ensure that all school systems are clear and understandable : Make sure that there is a proper induction programme at the beginning of the year , so that the teachers feel secure in the school systems . Not everyone will agree with these procedures and processes . It is better to give security and clarity , which will not please all , than to offer confusion and chaos , which will please no one .
Adopt a school philosophy that is based on the doctrine of positive psychology , so that everyone strives for excellence : We must first be happy , before we achieve , rather than the other way round . The pursuit of happiness is not the same as the pursuit of pleasure . By encouraging your teachers to strive for the best they can achieve , as a leader , you will create a win-win situation in which the teachers will gain job satisfaction and the school will achieve higher standards .
Protect your team from external negative pressures : Leaders should protect their teachers from external pressures that they do not need to feel in order to carry out their jobs . Poor leaders pass unnecessary , negative stress and unproductive pressure on their employees ; good leaders work to create an atmosphere of challenge , positive stress and high expectations . The most important
Create career opportunities within
your school : Give your teachers a sense of purpose and a career path . The fewer opportunities that teachers perceive are available in your organisation , the more likely they are to look elsewhere .
Create bonds of trust within the school organisation : Trust between the leadership of the school and the teaching team is essential . As a leader , be honest , consistent , and approachable . Communication is a key issue in any organisation . It is very important that teachers feel that they are listened to and that they have avenues of communication that they can follow . As a leader , make your teachers feel that they can speak with you . If someone is contemplating leaving the school , then he / she will speak with you first . It may be that , by having these conversations , those teachers will not be part of the tide of teachers leaving ; instead they may become part of the dam that stems that tide .
Class Time
| | Jan - Feb 2017 |
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