{"id":871,"date":"2019-08-13T09:38:10","date_gmt":"2019-08-13T14:38:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.graduateprogram.org\/?p=871"},"modified":"2022-08-03T11:16:26","modified_gmt":"2022-08-03T16:16:26","slug":"how-administrators-can-help-teachers-at-back-to-school-time","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.graduateprogram.org\/blog\/how-administrators-can-help-teachers-at-back-to-school-time\/","title":{"rendered":"How Administrators can Support Teachers at Back-To-School Time"},"content":{"rendered":"

Why Administrator Support is Essential for a Successful Year\u00a0<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Here we go again \u2013 welcome back-to-school! Usually the order is administrators and office staff first, then the teachers, and ultimately the students. So, how can administrators help prepare teachers for their students’ inevitable return? For the most part, teachers are excited to return for the upcoming year, and administrators must take great care to enhance that excitement. Nothing can dampen a teacher\u2019s excitement more than an unprepared, unenergetic administrator.<\/p>\n

All faculty and staff must do a myriad of things to prepare for the upcoming school year. The administrator is responsible for ensuring the faculty and staff have what they need to get off to a great start. The last thing an administrator wants to do is frustrate his staff by being unprepared amidst back-to-school for teachers. As the administrator, you are the one to make sure everyone gets going in the right direction. You also set the tone, \u201cput out fires,\u201d and set your school’s climate<\/a> and culture<\/a>.<\/p>\n

These precious professional development<\/a> days will determine the direction the beginning of school heads when the students arrive on the first day. Listed below are ways we as administrators can help and support teachers in those few professional development days.<\/p>\n

Be Available for Back-To-School<\/strong><\/h2>\n

This is one of the most important traits a good administrator should always possess, but especially at the beginning of the school year. Teachers will invariably have a million questions as they prepare for that first day. This is even more important if there have been changes from the previous year. As the administrator you must be available for your teachers going back to school.<\/p>\n

Being available doesn\u2019t mean just being there, but literally, being there for them, including your eyes, ears, and body language. During this time, you are there primarily to support your teachers and answer their questions to help them excitedly prepare for the beginning of school.<\/p>\n

Have Essential Information Organized and Ready for Teachers <\/strong><\/h2>\n

Invariably there are changes in how we do things from year-to-year. From the outset, our teachers must be aware of any changes and have the documentation to refer to as they prepare for the new school year. Nothing is more frustrating to a teacher than to be deep into planning only to find out at the last minute that they aren\u2019t doing it that way anymore.<\/p>\n

The school year itself will present enough \u201cuh oh!” to cause frustration and anxiety<\/a> to your teachers. Having essential information ready for them on day one can help to reduce this at the beginning.<\/p>\n

Have Classrooms Back-To-School Ready<\/strong><\/h2>\n

One of the best ways to help a teacher get off to a great start is to have their classroom ready and equipped when they walk in on their first day. The classroom should be clean and inviting, not dusty with cobwebs hanging from the corners. All school-given resources should be in the room, ready for the teacher to begin using.<\/p>\n

Desks, and the teacher work area should be set up with good, safe furniture and all technological resources should be up and running. Also, all lighting sources should be clean and properly working. Walls and floors should be fresh, clean, and ready for the arrival of your teacher.<\/p>\n

Listen to Your Teachers<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Your teachers are your most valuable resource for ensuring proper school climate. Additionally, your teachers are your \u201cboots on the ground\u201d resources in your building. Take the time to listen to your teachers\u2019 feedback<\/a>. Listening to your teachers lets you know what is working and what is not. Listening to your teachers also gives them a sense of worth and belonging in the educational process. So, as you listen to your teachers, really<\/em> listen to your teachers.<\/p>\n

Teacher Restrooms and Workrooms<\/strong><\/h2>\n

The teacher restrooms like the teachers’ classrooms should be clean and inviting when teachers arrive on the first day. Nothing says unprepared like a dirty, dingy restroom. Ensure that everything is clean and fresh and that all paper products are stocked and readily available when teachers arrive.<\/p>\n

Likewise, the teachers’ workroom likewise should be clean and orderly. Supplies for teachers should be stocked and ready for teacher use. Any new technology in the teacher workroom should have written instructions with it, or someone available for training on the new technology on the first day. Furniture in the teacher workroom should be comfortable and useable for the teachers. The teacher workroom is not the place to store old broken-down chairs, tables, filing cabinets etc. for teachers to make due with.<\/p>\n

First Professional Development of the Year<\/strong><\/h2>\n

As the administrator, you set the tone for each day and for the entire year. In the first professional development meeting of the year you will have the opportunity to set a positive tone and create a favorable climate for the year.<\/p>\n

The first professional development meeting should be brief and cover essential topics that must be addressed at the beginning of each school year. Remember, your teachers are already preoccupied with classroom setup, lesson plans<\/a>, student folders, and a myriad of other things necessary for the beginning of a new school year.<\/p>\n

Take the time to:<\/p>\n