Back to School for Principals and Leaders
Welcome to the latest edition of the Stories that Inspired Us newsletter, where we take a look back at some stories that had a strong impact on us and our readers.
This month, we’re celebrating the back-to-school season with advice and strategies for school leaders, including educators who are just beginning their leadership journey, seasoned veterans, and teacher trainers.
Leadership and Growth Tips for Teachers
By Dr. Sylvia Diaz, Superintendent in Residence at McGraw Hill
“Research shows there are many benefits to becoming a teacher leader. Teacher leaders report feeling empowered and more satisfied with their work. Teachers who assume leadership roles also report that they improve their practice and learn more about pedagogy (Wenner & Campbell 2017).”
Read Leadership and Growth Tips for Teachers here.
Helpful Tips for Supporting New Teachers and Staff
By Dr. Zach Bruner, Superintendent
“Currently, teacher and principal turnover rates are high nationwide, which, in turn, produces the need for new teachers and principals in buildings. With an influx of new staff members, it is the job of school leaders at multiple levels to provide support so that the new staff has every opportunity imaginable to be successful.”
Read Helpful Tips for Supporting New Teachers and Staff here.
Back to School Acceleration: To Infinity and Beyond? Or More of the Same?
By Dr. Andrew Ordover, VP of Product for the Digital Supplemental Group at McGraw Hill
“A new school year approaches (or has already come, for some of us), and in many homes and classrooms, people are worried about students who have fallen behind their peers. Some may have struggled back during the COVID lockdown and never caught up; some managed the lockdown but have had trouble in the years since. “We must accelerate learning for our most vulnerable students!” people say, without quite knowing what that means or how to accomplish it. How can you accelerate students who are already having trouble driving at the current speed limit?”
Read Back to School Acceleration: To Infinity and Beyond? Or More of the Same? here.
Wellness in Secondary Schools: Know the Pulse
By Katie Gaylord, School Counselor
“Being intentional with using student names, honoring requested pronouns, and making eye contact while conversing with students, pausing until they are ready to meet your eyes as well, certainly gives students the calm needed to adjust to vulnerabilities.”
Read Wellness in Secondary Schools: Know the Pulse here.
10 Ways to Become a Teacher Leader
“Identify what you’re best at. Then, share your knowledge. Take a moment to reflect. What are your greatest strengths as an educator? What challenges have you faced that you excelled in overcoming? Strive to grow your knowledge and skills in that area, working toward becoming a true expert. Finally — this is important — share your knowledge with your learning community. Leaders want their teams to thrive, too!”
Read 10 Ways to Become a Teacher Leader here.
