4 Ways School Leaders Can Help Lower Teacher Stress
One of the most important things we can do as campus leaders is to lower stress in our schools so that teachers and staff feel comfortable, connected, and empowered to succeed. As you lead your school, here are four helpful tips for reducing teacher stress.
Leader Tip 1: Start with Good Things
Begin each meeting — large, small, and individual — by asking staff members about Good Things happening in their lives. (It could be something good in their professional lives or personal!) When people share Good Things, or something positive or important to them, it helps grow and connect your group. Remember to:
Allow only 3-5 minutes for Good Things
Spotlight different staff members at each staff meeting
Leader Tip 2: Intentionally Plan for Affirmations
Establish a system for staff members to give affirmations to each other and for you to affirm your team consistently.
Set aside time on your calendar weekly to write and/or deliver genuine, specific affirmations to your teachers and staff. Everyone needs to feel seen and valued.
Receiving affirmations can be difficult for some people. Help any teammates who may feel uneasy about receiving a compliment.
Leader Tip 3: Ask for Feedback
Continue to seek opportunities to develop your own leadership and build your campus plan by empowering teachers and staff through feedback. Be intentional about identifying staff needs and determine next steps and future goals. Consider asking questions like:
What is something we have done (or are doing) this school year that we should keep doing?
What is something we are doing that we should stop? Why?
What should we start doing? Why?
In what ways would you like to be grown next school year?
Leader Tip 4: Invest in Teacher Growth
Effective leaders are made, not born. Consider ways to continually equip your team and develop their leadership skills through meaningful and impactful professional development opportunities. Acknowledging the need for ongoing professional growth is a sign of strength, not weakness.
We have solutions available that equip teachers with tools to take the Capturing Kids’ Hearts® Process to the next level. Contact us for more information.