Advice for Administrators, New and Old
Edit: This was my very first ever blog post. It was long ago when I thought I knew everything. I've left it published because some of it is relevant, but also as a record of how far I've come and how much I've learned professionally. Thanks for reading!
This advice is probably applicable to any person in a managerial position. It is in no way meant to sound sarcastic, though I realize it probably does...
1. Come out of your office. Specifically, come out of your office during the time when students are changing classes. I refer to this as passing period. By emerging from your quiet sanctuary, you will get a real feel for what is going on at your school, and you will build a rapport with your students and your staff. Keep in mind, passing period only lasts between 3-7 minutes, so this is a minimal time commitment on your part.
2. Proofread all communication, even if it’s a short email. You are a leader, and just like you want your teachers to set good examples, you should set them, too. Errors in spelling and grammar make you look less qualified and undermine your authority as an administrator. Almost all email clients have a “spell check,” so again, a minimal time commitment on your part.
3. Compliment your staff members often. You can do this when you leave your office during passing period. All it takes to make someone’s day is a quick, “Good Job, so-and-so!” This will improve teacher morale and have a positive impact on the students at your school. People who are told they are doing a good job want to continue to do so.
4. Learn everyone’s name. Not everyone is a “coach,” or a “sweetie.” This is another one of those things that can make you look less qualified. One way to learn names is by coming out of your office.
5. Don’t make promises you can’t keep. Offering incentives, for example, and then forgetting that you ever mentioned them will result in your staff members not trusting you. If you tell your staff they are getting something (monetary or otherwise), deliver on that promise.
This advice is probably applicable to any person in a managerial position. It is in no way meant to sound sarcastic, though I realize it probably does...
1. Come out of your office. Specifically, come out of your office during the time when students are changing classes. I refer to this as passing period. By emerging from your quiet sanctuary, you will get a real feel for what is going on at your school, and you will build a rapport with your students and your staff. Keep in mind, passing period only lasts between 3-7 minutes, so this is a minimal time commitment on your part.
2. Proofread all communication, even if it’s a short email. You are a leader, and just like you want your teachers to set good examples, you should set them, too. Errors in spelling and grammar make you look less qualified and undermine your authority as an administrator. Almost all email clients have a “spell check,” so again, a minimal time commitment on your part.
3. Compliment your staff members often. You can do this when you leave your office during passing period. All it takes to make someone’s day is a quick, “Good Job, so-and-so!” This will improve teacher morale and have a positive impact on the students at your school. People who are told they are doing a good job want to continue to do so.
4. Learn everyone’s name. Not everyone is a “coach,” or a “sweetie.” This is another one of those things that can make you look less qualified. One way to learn names is by coming out of your office.
5. Don’t make promises you can’t keep. Offering incentives, for example, and then forgetting that you ever mentioned them will result in your staff members not trusting you. If you tell your staff they are getting something (monetary or otherwise), deliver on that promise.
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