Teachers: Are you having a ‘happy’ holiday?

This article is part of the ‘Wisdom of Heads’ series: curated short advice for leaders (and aspiring leaders). Follow on Twitter for regular updates.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS?

Are you working over the holidays? If you are a school leader, are your teachers working over the holidays?

Sure, given current workloads, it’s almost impossible not to. You probably have a pile of marking, planning, and preparation not even Santa’s elves could tackle. And, with an Inbox as stuffed as a festive turkey, things may feel less than jolly.

There’s merit, wisdom even, in clearing what you can over the holidays. If you don’t, your ‘to do’ list will be full of ‘wish I dids’. But, how much could wait? How much will still be there come the new term? Will the task be any more urgent? It needs doing, sure, but does it need doing right now?

More to the point, will tackling it when refreshed and recharged result in better work (and less rework)?

And, if you are a school leader are your teachers working? Have you given them permission NOT to?

If you are receiving e-mails and updates, could you thank the sender, acknowledge their right to work when suits them best, but remind them that they really don’t need to work over the holidays? Could you nudge them back to mince pies and an afternoon movie?

The reality is you probably are working. You probably want to work. Just remember to stop and smell (and maybe sip) the mulled wine.

Happy holidays.

The Wisdom Of Heads

Dr. Denry Machin is an educational consultant specialising in teacher training and new school start-ups. His latest book ‘International Schooling: The Teacher’s Guide’ can be accessed here.