Ways to Retain Teachers

The Great Resignation – Teacher Solutions

 

Savannah, a current Possip reporter and former educator, shares real ways for Administrators and Education Leaders to combat the “The Great Resignation” with ways to help retain teachers. 

 

The nature of COVID-19 inevitably changed our day-to-day lives while simultaneously asking us to reflect and reprioritize. Our social circles grew smaller. Masks became something we grabbed along with our car keys and wallets before leaving the house. Many of us who once worked in offices or schools were suddenly working remotely from our own homes. Some, unfortunately, lost their jobs due to the nature of the pandemic, while others chose to willingly walk away. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics recently announced that during the month of August, 4.3 million Americans quit their jobs due to a variety of reasons. This is why providing ways to retain teachers is so important!

 

This massive exodus within the workforce is now being called “The Great Resignation”. This statistic includes many industries, education being one of them. In fact, one in four teachers considered leaving their job during the 2019-2020 school year, according to Rand Corporation. 

 

For as long as I can remember, I’ve wanted to be a teacher. After earning my Bachelor’s in English and Master’s in Education, I was finally ready to enter the classroom. During the fifth year of my teaching career, I was teaching 11th and 12th grade AP English and receiving high-performing scores. I was the ELA Content Lead and the Upperclassman Grade Level Chair. I was supporting DEI and school culture, and leading a weekly club called Courageous Conversations Club. Along with many teachers, I too was swimming in student debt, struggling to pay my medical bills, and feeling incredibly overworked. I was one of many teachers who decided to step away from the profession. Not because I didn’t want to teach. In fact, I loved my job. However, the work itself no longer outweighed the exhaustion and stress, so I decided to step away. 

 

This then begs the question, how do we maintain high teacher retention rates amidst the pandemic? While trying to ease teacher workloads and show teachers appreciation are thoughtful, this systemic issue requires a larger response. Here are a few topics we think are important conversation starters when thinking about ways to retain teachers:

 

Rethink Compensation

 

According to the Department of Education’s National Center for Education Statistics, the average salary for teachers during the 2020-2021 school year was $63,645. While this may seem like a livable wage, it’s important to consider that most teachers spend a significant amount of their own money on classroom and student resources. Medical bills, student loans, child care expenses, and additional unexpected costs make this wage rather unsustainable long-term, especially in a single-income household. 

 

There are few teachers who work 40-hour work weeks. The one hour a day that’s reserved for planning five hours of lessons is not enough. Then of course there’s the grading, parent contact, and daily duties that add to a teacher’s workload. Teachers are fundamental to the system of education. They not only teach the necessary curriculum but also how to think, how to grow curious. Teachers are caretakers, mentors, and support systems. If we are to truly think about changing the education system and want to prioritize teacher retention, we must rethink compensation. While this may feel overwhelming, continuing to advocate for higher teacher compensation within your district and state matters. Stay informed about bills for education funding. Also, considering creative ways for teachers to make a more substantial income. This could be a great way to retain teachers!

 

Staff Shortage Coverage Ideas

 

In a recent Possip Pulse Check, one of our partner schools asked the question, “what is the one thing you want to take off your plate that would help you focus on daily student growth?” While the results varied, “subbing” was a common trend. Given the national shortage of teachers, it’s incredibly difficult to find substitutes, leaving many schools forced to ask teachers to substitute during their designated time off. This results in teacher burnout. 

 

If you do need teachers to cover for staff shortages, consider compensating teachers for their time. Consider asking for a volunteer list of teachers rather than creating a “batting order” with the entire staff. If you need a teacher to fill in unexpectedly, consider alleviating one of their other additional duties or responsibilities. 

 

Rethink Team Connections

 

When teachers are already feeling overwhelmed, additional tasks, meetings, or to-do’s can feel exhausting. Team bonding or community events that normally feel light-hearted and intentional can suddenly feel taxing. Consider investing in teachers by canceling unnecessary meetings. Limit team collaboration time and make it focussed and intentional. 

 

After spending an entire day making decisions and supporting students, taking time after school to brainstorm or problem-solve can feel like a burden, even if it is intentional. While PD and Team Time is usually meaningful and serves as a designated time to prioritize teachers’ voice, COVID has undeniably changed the way teachers relate to this set-aside time. This does not mean we should cancel all meetings, or completely exclude PD. However, we should be mindful of what we ask of teachers.

 

---

 

Ways to retain teachers is a difficult and sensitive topic, especially because there are many factors that are out of our control. However, teachers are speaking. They are telling us what they need: more staff, higher compensation, sustainable workloads, etc. While we may not be able to meet all of these requests today, thinking strategically about how we can create change matters. Using tools like Possip that empower teachers to share their voices is one way to gather feedback in order to support our teachers. We are so grateful for all of our teachers!

 

To review Possip’s recent staff trends, please click here!

 

The post Ways to Retain Teachers appeared first on Possip | Parent Engagement Platform | School Feedback App.

Teacher Retention Trends

Possip Reporting Team Lead, Amanda Richards, writes about teacher retention trends she is seeing from the 21-22′ school year pulled from our Possip Pulse Checks.

 

Trends from Teacher Feedback Comments

 

I always led my school with the belief that great teachers make great schools. I believe that even more through pandemic learning and how teachers made schools exist despite physical buildings, carlines, or cafeterias. Teachers are irreplaceable elements to almost every part of the daily school functions. At Possip, we are seeing some trends in our staff pulse checks that set off “retention red flags” in my head as a former principal. 

 

The great news is that we have both the data and the means to hear from staff members through Possip. This can assist to make big improvements in teacher sustainability and retention. We wanted to share some of these “retention alarms” more broadly. We hope this can shed light on how teachers are feeling and why we believe focusing on teacher sustainability is important. 

---

After analyzing over 4,000 staff comments from this school year, here are some big trends:

 

Trend #1: Teacher Workload

 

Teachers are feeling stretched very thin. The number one trend mentioned was feeling overwhelmed by the amount of work, requests for support to manage the workload or requests for decreasing the workload for teachers. Teachers feel they need more time to keep up with all the new requirements and duties. The keywords WORK, TIME, SUPPORT, and HELP are mentioned by teachers over 1,400 times in their comments. Here are a few staff comments:

 

• “We need to prioritize reducing the workload and stress of our teachers before they all quit.”

• “I need the workloads to be distributed more evenly.”

• “Please figure out how to reduce the workload of teachers.”

• “Teacher aids would be really nice especially if principals keep adding to a teacher’s workload. You can’t keep adding to our overfilled backpacks. Teachers are humans with lives and families outside of the classroom.”

 

Trend #2: District Level Topics

 

Many teachers commented on district practices, expectations, and decisions. District decisions are very intimately and immediately impacting teacher’s lives and work environments like never before. Some teachers are feeling like they are not cared for, thought about, or respected at a higher level. Over 430 comments referenced the word DISTRICT. In addition, teachers feel like compensation and salary are not fair or reasonable. Over 300 comments reference PAY, BONUSES, or COMPENSATION. The way district leaders communicate to teachers and make district-wide decisions is very important for teacher retention during this time. Here are a few examples of real staff comments:

 

• “COVID is not being handled well by the district, and is putting all of us at high risk, including our at-risk family members.”

• “When will the district hire a [elective] teacher for every elementary? Larger classes of 30+ students and also adding special need classes to the same class is a lot!”

• “When is the district going to extend some grace to their teachers?  we keep being told to take on more and more tasks daily, and weekly and are expected to do so with a smile while extending grace to others.  when will that grace be extended to us?!”

• “I’ve dedicated 23 years of my life to [my district] and since covid began, I feel the district cares more about its political aspirations than it does its employees at the school level.”

 

Trend #3: Teacher Mental Health

Teachers are sharing that they feel burned out, overwhelmed, unsafe, and stressed. More teachers than ever are reaching out for mental health support, resources, and the ability to focus on their self-care more frequently. As a former teacher, I know that the role of a teacher is so much about others, that it can be hard to focus on yourself. However, teachers are calling out for that and need this mental health support more than ever. Over 100 comments from staff used the words MENTAL HEALTH or STRESS. 

• “I am still struggling with work/life balance. The feeling overwhelmed by action items is more prevalent and I am being asked to stay in the building far later than I would want. I would prefer more alignment with joy and mental health, not just for students but for teachers. Taking care of one’s mental health requires time to invest in ourselves, beyond just eating and going to bed.”

• “Teachers need more support with mental health. There is not enough time for teachers to get everything done that is expected of them and have a personal life. “

• “I don’t feel like the district leadership is truly taking teacher mental health seriously. This is not a normal school year, yet we are being asked to function as though it is.”

• “Teachers are stressed and overworked. Please consider that before adding more tasks to our plate. We love our students and want the best for them. However, I think we should consider subtracting action items or replacing them with something more sufficient. This can make room for teachers to complete all that is expected of them.”

---

I would like to conclude with an important note: The word STUDENT is written far more than any other keyword found in the 4,000 staff comments. STUDENT was written about 800 times by teachers and staff members, which shows their dedication, selflessness, and motivation. Students are the focus of teachers, and it’s important to keep in mind that supporting teachers is supporting students.

 

If you are interested in getting district or school-specific data from your staff members through staff Pulse Checks, reach out to amanda@possip.com. This could be the first step in assisting in teacher retention! 

 

The post Teacher Retention Trends appeared first on Possip | Parent Engagement Platform | School Feedback App.

Possip Spotlight: How Williamson County Stepped Up Amidst Recent Tiktok Trends

Possip intern, Isha Soni, shared the story of her Alma Mater, Ravenwood High School, and how students and parents came together! 

Trends on TikTok Led to Tennessee School Students to Act

 

After a year of online school, social media was one of the only ways that students could communicate with each other. Tiktok trends became more creative, in both good and bad ways. More and more students started to jump on the bandwagon. 

Unfortunately, for some, online class made it easy to forget all of the people who were unseen on Zoom, but who are integral to everyday operations. When in-person school resumed, the Tiktok trends continued. A recent trend has disrupted school operations accross the nation. This trend encourages students to steal and cause damage to their school. Students are then encouraged to post about it on social media. 

Additionally, students are encouraged to steal items from the restroom. This has resulted in diligent monitoring of student facilities, which both parents and students have expressed frustration about.

It was disheartening to watch the lack of regard for the custodial staff at schools who have to clean up and repair the damage. That’s why I am proud of students at my Alma Mater, Ravenwood High School in Williamson County, Tennessee.

Students and parents came together to raise money to host a luncheon for custodial staff and give them gift cards. Ravenwood sophomore, Keri Daniels, led an effort to organize this event and make custodial staff feel seen and appreciated following the damage caused by her and her peers. This is a positive example of a parent and student partnership! Additionally, this is a great example of student leadership!

Keri, her friends, and the supporting parents together show that humans are always more powerful than social media. Community triumphs trends making their way accross the digital nation. The community at Ravenwood High School thought about how their actions impacted others. They chose to step up as leaders within their community. Great work!

The post Possip Spotlight: How Williamson County Stepped Up Amidst Recent Tiktok Trends appeared first on Possip | Parent Engagement Platform | School Feedback App.

Sustaining Joy Beyond Back to School

Savannah, a current Possip reporter and former educator, shares some ideas for sustaining joy beyond back-to-school energy throughout the school year.

Finding, Sustaining, and Exploring Joy.

How is it already late October!? Autumn is in full swing, and the newness of back to school is starting to wear off. The energy that comes with the first few weeks of each school year is contagious. New school supplies and fresh faces bring a welcomed newness and excitement to school communities. 

 

However, it’s now about the time of year that some of this newness starts to wear off, and we begin to settle into normalcy. The structure is important in order to maintain daily operations. Classroom norms help students to hold themselves accountable. Yet, as our to-do lists and “asks” of us grow, and we fall into a routine, it can be difficult to maintain that back-to-school energy. COVID has only added further challenges. Teachers have had to oscillate between virtual, hybrid, and in-person teaching all while adhering to safety measures and navigating student needs. Teacher morale boots are needed now more than ever! Here are a few ideas to increase morale and maintain back-to-school spirit throughout the school year.

 

Celebrate Students and Staff

 

Regularly create opportunities for students and staff to feel celebrated. Consider adding a staff shout-out bulletin board in a common space. Encourage staff to share shout-outs throughout the week, then publicly share a few during your weekly staff meeting. Meaningfully select students of the week and share them during announcements. Send teachers a surprise coffee gift card! Establish a culture of joy by asking students to share announcements, moments of personal success, or exciting life updates at the beginning of class for an allotted period of time. Encourage student spirit weeks, and prioritize student-led events if possible.

 

Prioritize Classroom Connection and Check-Ins

 

As the school year progresses, the day-to-day can begin to feel overwhelming for teachers. When you’re trying to meet standards, advance through the curriculum, and meet student needs simultaneously, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. When I was a teacher I found it especially important to slow down in these moments and remember that our students are always the priority. If you as a teacher are feeling overwhelmed, it’s likely your students are too.

 

Provide opportunities for students to connect meaningfully in inclusive communities. Each Monday in my classroom we took about twenty minutes to connect, share, and reset. While still following classroom norms, students were encouraged to share openly during this unstructured time. Sometimes students shared academic specific celebrations or anxieties or took space to process what was happening in the world around them. We discussed our academic priorities for the week, and came to an agreement on due dates as a learning community. Even though I worried this time took away from instructional time, allowing students space to process while showing them their well-being was always the priority, helping them intentionally focus while establishing trust.

 

Spark Moments of Joy

 

Sometimes, it’s the little things. Playing music during transition time, or taking the time to eat intentionally with the community can be a real game-changer. When our days are weighed down with tasks, grades, emails, and to-do’s, we can forget how much the little moments matter. When we slow down and prioritize joy, our ability to be productive only increases. Encourage football jersey Friday, or create a hallway bulletin board dedicated to pets that belong to students and staff. These small moments may not have an “academic” purpose, but they allow us to feel seen, and that matters just as much.

 

Support When Possible

 

Teachers have a lot on their plates. If you’re an administrator or school leader, think about ways you can support your teachers. If possible, offer to cover a class period for them so they can have more time to plan or grade. Encourage teachers to share what’s happening in their classroom, and if they could use an extra pair of hands. If you’re a coach, surprise the teachers you mentor by reserving a meeting time specifically to help them a grade. If you’re a teacher, offer to cover lunch or recess duty for another coworker you want to show you an appreciation for. These small acts can have a BIG impact on staff culture.

 

Involving Family and Community

 

Many families are anxious to support teachers but aren’t sure how to do this COVID. While it’s a bit trickier, you can still support your students’ teachers. Never be afraid to reach out and ask teachers what would be helpful. While there may be more precautious around in-person support, there are still ways you can support your student’s classroom virtually! Or, rather than surprise your teacher with a morning coffee, consider sending an electronic gift card as an unexpected moment of joy! If your student shares something they are excited about, reach out to your student’s teacher and share it with them as well. As teachers, we often aren’t able to see how students process what they learn during class. Or, consider sharing with Possip that you’re interested in teacher appreciation-related activities and planning.

---

As we wave goodbye to back-to-school feelings, we want to acknowledge how hard our teachers are working. We are still facing a pandemic, and the majority of the school year is in front of us. We have noticed teachers are struggling with workload and morale, and we want to take a moment to acknowledge, WE SEE YOU. If you have other ideas or ways you spark joy regularly within your own school or district, reach out! We would love to hear from you

 

The post Sustaining Joy Beyond Back to School appeared first on Possip | Parent Engagement Platform | School Feedback App.

Writing Great Bonus Questions

Another power-packed 30-minutes in a series of talks that helps partners maximize use of Possip! Learn all about writing great Bonus Questions for families and staff – what to ask, when, and how to leverage the Bonus Question when facing high-priority decisions and transitions in your district or school. 

The post Writing Great Bonus Questions appeared first on Possip | Parent Engagement Platform | School Feedback App.

Teacher Capacity During A Pandemic

Savannah Staley, a Possip reporter, and former English teacher, shares some ideas regarding a trending topic we have seen from Possip Pulse Checks: Teachers are at max capacity.

Teachers Are at Max Capacity

 

When many of us think about teachers, we probably imagine them standing in front of the classroom, helping students work through a complicated math equation. Or, perhaps we imagine them working through the letters of the alphabet with their energetic and eager students. Yet, the reality is, teachers are at max capacity because instructional time is only one of the many responsibilities teachers have each day. In order for the instructional time to even happen, there are hours of behind-the-scenes lesson planning, grading, and evaluating data. Additionally, teachers spend time communicating with families, responding to emails, and performing routine duties that allow schools to run smoothly. 

 

These responsibilities can become overwhelming for teachers as is, so teaching during a pandemic only makes things more complicated. Over the course of the last three school years, teachers have had to pivot unexpectedly, reworking the curriculum to meet the needs of their virtual students. They have had to work to fill in learning gaps, and catch up with students who have fallen behind due to the global pandemic. Additionally, teachers are also supporting students’ mental and emotional health as many students navigate returning to school. 

 

This is not an easy job. And as a result, many teachers are struggling with current workloads. We need our teachers! We love our teachers! It is for this reason that we want to recognize this upward trend of teacher workload and provide tools for both leadership and teachers as we work through this together.

 

---

Ideas for Leadership and Administration

 

Time for Planning and Grading

 

While most teachers have designated time during the school day to plan, it is difficult to plan a week’s worth of daily lessons, while thinking about the overarching unit goals, all within five allotted hours. Especially when this time is often consumed by other to-dos such as helping students catch up on missing work, answering emails, or taking meetings. Teachers are expressing that this doesn’t feel sustainable, and are therefore feeling burnt out. 

 

We understand it may be difficult to change the schedule in order to provide more teacher work time. However, you can show your teachers that you respect their time by protecting teacher work time, and by providing them with uninterrupted space to work. Encourage teachers to spend time grading only meaningful assignments and providing intentional feedback. Or consider using designated meeting time as teacher work time. 

 

Prioritize Culture

 

Create a culture where self-care and mental health are prioritized and validated. Encourage teachers to take mental health days if needed. Limit any additional asks or requests of teachers when possible, and consider what teachers are already doing before asking. Have an “open-door policy” when appropriate to encourage teachers to share feedback and ask for what they need. Encourage open dialogue where teachers and leaders alike can share and support one another. Normalize stepping into classrooms throughout the day for teachers who might need a break, especially those who teach back-to-back classes. 

 

Encourage Self-Care Throughout The Day

 

Self-care should not only be practiced when we are already burnt out. We should be practicing self-care and mindfulness throughout the day in order to sustain our energy and care for ourselves and one another. Protect teachers’ planning periods and designated lunchtime. Provide spaces where teachers can connect throughout the day with their colleagues. Support teachers during daily transitions if possible. Or, consider surprising a teacher by alleviating them from one of their additional responsibilities or duties.

 

Provide Opportunities for Open Communication

 

Remain in tune with your staff by practicing and prioritizing open communication. Possip was developed for school administrators to assist in bridging the communication gap between parents and staff. Possip provides you with quantitative and qualitative data that can be used to solve problems, spotlight praise comments, and more! Check out our recent staff trends article here to give you some insight into how Possip can benefit your school community!

 

Ideas for Teachers 

 

Let Go of Perfection

 

Teachers enter into this profession because they are passionate about their content, working with students, and helping grow others. It is for this reason that teachers pour themselves into their work. However, it is impossible for every lesson, assignment, or activity to be perfect. In order to be present and take care of ourselves, we have to let go of perfectionism. As Glennon Doyle says, “We are all doing the best we can.” We can approach things with intentionality, but we have to let go of the rest.

 

Create Boundaries

 

Create work boundaries for yourself and honor them. Set aside time to grade papers, then stop when the time is up. Practice telling people no when your plate is full. Practice asking for help when you need it. Clearly communicate to families and students when you are available, and then honor that for yourself. Consider removing school email from your phone, and reminding yourself that you do not need to work on weekends. Teachers respond to many situations every day. So it’s important to set clear boundaries to avoid burnout. Remember, boundaries are self-care! 

 

Organize and Prioritize

 

You cannot do it all, all the time. Make a to-do list, and consider completing tasks that are both urgent and important first. As a teacher, there is always more to do. We have to intentionally create boundaries and organize ourselves in order to respect ourselves. Find a system that works best for you and stick to it! Ask a coworker to hold you accountable. Our students are always the priority. Everything else matters, but perhaps it doesn’t always need to be done with urgency. Clearly ask your administrators what is expected of you, and be honest with your own capacity. 

---

We are so grateful for all of our teachers, and we know our Possip partners want to support them. We hope these ideas will help teachers and administrators work together to create a positive culture and sustainable teacher workload! All of these ideas have the possibility of supporting teachers at max capacity! 

 

The post Teacher Capacity During A Pandemic appeared first on Possip | Parent Engagement Platform | School Feedback App.

Staff Trends from Week Ending in October 15th

Possip Reporting Team Lead, Amanda Richards, writes about the top 10 staff trends from week ending in October 15th pulled from our Possip Pulse Checks .

Top 10 Feedback Trends from School Staff

 

This past week, we received over 3,800 responses from staff members (teachers, admin, etc) through Possip Pulse Checks! 54% of staff members were happy this week. 

 

1. Teacher workloads
   • Many teachers are overwhelmed and don’t feel like their workload is sustainable. In addition to this, staff members also stated that they are being asked to do more every day, and want support in decreasing additional work.
2. Financial Compensation
   • Requests for increases in financial compensation and advocating for raises in teacher salary.
3. COVID Safety Measures
   • Holding teachers accountable for following protocols for themselves and students. 
4. Curriculum Content
   • Discussing curriculum content and the pace teachers are required to go. Additionally, some teachers are also requesting a curriculum that they can utilize in their classroom instead of creating it independently (both general education and SPED curriculum).
5. Professional Development and Teacher Training
   • Teachers feel they are in Professional Development training too much, that it’s not touching on the highest need topics, and request for specific types of Professional Development sessions.
6. Student Behavior
   • Many teachers are feeling unsupported by administrators concerning student behavior. Additionally. they also want support holding students accountable for behavior in the classroom.
7. Substitute Plans
   • Questions and feedback about substitute plans on campus. Teachers shared there are not enough subs to cover classes and they are in need of substitute support. 
8. Improving Communication
   • Feedback about improving communication to teachers and school staff. They want to hear from district administrators more often and proactively.
9. Teacher Duties and Requirements
   • Feedback about teacher duties and requirements on campus. Staff members are sharing that they are having to take on new duties and responsibilities that are not sustainable.
10. Mental Health Support
    • Comments about mental health support and giving teachers and school staff members time, space, and resources to foster teachers’ mental and emotional health.

 

 

To sum up, here are the categories of staff trends by percentage:

If you have questions about these trends, how to resolve them in your school or have feedback on our trends blog, please reach out to amanda@possip.com! 

 

 

The post Staff Trends from Week Ending in October 15th appeared first on Possip | Parent Engagement Platform | School Feedback App.

Family Trends from Week Ending in October 15th

Possip Reporting Team Lead, Amanda Richards, writes about the top 10 parent communication through feedback trends pulled from our Possip Pulse Checks from October 11th through October 15th, 2021.

Trends from Family Feedback 

This past week, over 12,000 family members shared through Possip Pulse Checks! 74% of families were happy this week.

 

Here are the top 10 trends:

 

#1: Feedback on mask usage and COVID safety measures on campus. Families shared opinions about what they wanted to see, with some parents wanting more safety measures and others wanting less.

#2: More communication from teachers about how individual students are doing in class, how they are performing academically, and a general increase in the frequency of communication families receive.

#3: Smoother carline logistics and feedback about enhancing the efficiency of carline.

#4: Feedback around cafeteria food, outdoor eating logistics, and the time students get to eat during lunch.

#5: Request for transportation needs and feedback about bus routes, late busses, or bus driver feedback.

#6 Feedback about the homework assignments given to students. Families discussed the amount of homework, how to turn in homework, and the rigor of the assignment skills.

#7: Questions about extracurricular activities and a desire to have more sports or afterschool activities for students.

#8: Questions about how schools are sharing COVID-19 specific information with families. Parents want transparent, timely, and consistent communication.

#9: Feedback about bullying on campus. Families are sharing that their students are getting bullied or that their student sees others getting bullied. 

#10: More frequent communication with their school leaders and more general school updates throughout the week.

Noteworthy Trends Not In Top 10:

#1: We’re noticing a lot of comments and feedback about quarantine learning and planning for what students do academically during quarantine periods. Most families aren’t feeling like effective learning plans are ready for this time.

#2: We also saw that families and students are seeing an increase in fighting on campus. So, families want school leaders to address the safety issues and support students with social-emotional learning or increase security.

#3: Restrooms are still another top concern for families. Students don’t feel like they have the ability to use the restroom when they need it and that the restrooms aren’t monitored effectively. 

 

Thanks to all of Possip parent communication for contributing to Possip Pulse Checks to develop the Top 10 Parent Feedback Trends!

If you have questions about these trends, how to resolve them in your school or have feedback on our trends blog, please reach out to amanda@possip.com!

The post Family Trends from Week Ending in October 15th appeared first on Possip | Parent Engagement Platform | School Feedback App.

National Principals Month 2021

We interviewed two of our current Possip Reporters and also former principals, Amy Kate Wilkins and Amanda Richards, so they could share their experiences to celebrate National Principal Month 2021.

Principal Appreciation Spotlight

With October comes cooler weather, Autumn leaves, and cozy mornings. School is now in full swing for most, and there are a lot of reasons to love this time of year. Still, in the midst of the pandemic, there are a lot of challenges students, parents, and educators alike are facing. As the educators in your life experience another year of educating through the pandemic, we want to highlight some ways to celebrate and encourage them. This month is National Principals Month.

Principals are important leaders within our school communities who consider the well-being of our students, teachers, and families alike. Author and thinker Brene Brown says, “A brave leader is someone who says I see you. I hear you. I don’t have all the answers, but I’m going to keep listening and asking questions”. Our principals are brave leaders who as Amy Kate Wilkins states, “need space to rest and recharge too.” 

This October, we want to give you a few ideas about how you might celebrate these brave leaders throughout the entire year!

A Simple “Thank You” Goes A Long Way

Amy Kate Wilkins states, “A sincere, unexpected “thank you” always meant the most— to feel seen and acknowledged for the work is not expected but was always welcomed and well received! You do not serve in the role of principal for the gratitude, but a genuine expression of thanks made all the difference some days.” 

Everyday tasks are easy to overlook, but our principals are always working tirelessly behind the scenes. A simple thank you, or moment of gratitude can go a long way! Challenge yourself to go out of your way to say thank you to your principal this month!

Words of Affirmation

When asked about what communities can do to make principals feel appreciated, Amanda said, “Words of affirmation–like just sending a quick email with a positive note–I kept an email folder that I would save positive emails in that I could open when I needed a “pick-me-up.” Also–cards, drawings, or notes are always a pick-me-ups! Principals don’t always get as many tangible reminders of affirmation to keep on their desks or in their offices. So those are some ways that I always cherished and made me feel appreciated.”

Consider writing your principal an intentional note or sending them an email that shares thoughtful words of affirmation. 

Moments of Joy

Both Amanda and Amy Kate agree on the importance of celebrating their students, teachers, and families while working as principals. Sharing moments of joy made all of their hard work incredibly worth it. 

According to Amanda, “School events always feel super memorable when looking back. Things like the science fair, cultural events, graduation ceremonies, school dances, and other events. It’s such a joyful time where students, teachers, and families come together to celebrate all the accomplishments and just have fun together as a community. Especially during this difficult time, the importance of community building can’t be overstated.” However, as much as we love in-person events, we know some of us are still requiring virtual events. Check out the Waverly Belmont story to see a great example of hosting an event in spite of COVID and while keeping to protocols! 

Amy Kate adds to this sentiment when she says, “Interactions with students and their hilarious antics made each day!  I often got my fill by doing morning duty in the cafeteria to kick off the day. Something about interacting with students and getting to know them as people gave me the fuel I needed for the day.”

Moments of joy fuel your principal! Don’t be afraid to invite your principal into your classroom if you’re a teacher. Or if you’re a family member, try sparking up a conversation with your principal at the next school event!

Advice to Principals

Principals-we didn’t forget about you! Amy Kate and Amanda have some of their favorite words to share with you from when they were principals themselves.

• “I do not know if it’s the most memorable, but after leaving the role what I have missed the most is serving others.  I did not do the job perfectly and there were a lot of stones left unturned, but I loved being able to genuinely serve and care for my staff, students, and our families.” -Amy Kate
• “Be visible. I think being around for students, families, and teachers to see is so important for the school overall. I put hallway transitions on my calendar, took morning greeting duty, helped with lunch duty a few days a week, was outside at carline and tried to work from classrooms instead of your office on quick to-do tasks. Being present builds trust and helps you get a really good pulse on the school.” -Amanda

Thank you to all of the principals who also serve as our Possip partners! We are so grateful for your leadership. We wish you a happy National Principals Month!

The post National Principals Month 2021 appeared first on Possip | Parent Engagement Platform | School Feedback App.

Top 10 Parent Feedback Trends

Possip Reporting Team Lead, Amanda Richards, writes about the top 10 parent feedback trends pulled from our Possip Pulse Checks from October 4th through October 8th, 2021.

Trends from Family Feedback

We wanted to share out and summarize what families had to say in terms of feedback and ideas for their school! 

This past week, over 9,300 family members shared through Possip! 82% of families were happy this week, with the other families saying they were mostly happy or not happy this week. That’s a 6% increase from last week in terms of families who said they were happy with their child’s school. 

List of top 10 trends we are seeing from parents:

1. The desire for smooth, efficient, and safe carline procedures. (Note: as schools and districts wrestle with bus transportation, carlines are being used more than typical. However, we do see carline and other operational-based needs from families in significant numbers at the beginning of the year).
2. Feedback and comments about masks and COVID safety measures on campus
3. More communication from teachers about academic progress for students on a consistent basis
4. Requests for academic support for their student through things like tutoring 
5. Feedback about the curriculum taught to students (i.e. content, rigor, learning activities)
6. Request for transportation needs and feedback about bus routes, late busses, or student behavior on the bus
7. Questions about extracurricular activities and a desire to have more sports or afterschool activities for students
8. Feedback about the cafeteria food, desire to have a weekly menu of food options, and feedback about the time students have to eat
9. Questions about how to use school communication tools and ideas to enhance family communication through these tools (apps, parent portals, newsletters, etc.)
10. Feedback about homework assignments (i.e. too much homework, homework content, homework feedback, or too little homework)

A few noteworthy trends:

1. We are noticing a lot of comments and feedback about restroom policies, restroom monitoring needs, and restroom cleanliness. 
2. We also saw that families want recess to be a protected time during the day. Many did not agree when it is taken away as a consequence. 
3. Bullying concerns and the increased presence of student fighting are still persisting in family comments. 

Thanks to all of Possip parents for contributing to Possip Pulse Checks to develop the Top 10 Parent Feedback Trends!

If you have questions about these trends, how to resolve them in your school or have feedback on our trends blog, please reach out to amanda@possip.com! 

The post Top 10 Parent Feedback Trends appeared first on Possip | Parent Engagement Platform | School Feedback App.

Real Talk: Relevant Teaching in a Contentious Time

For this month’s Real Talk, we’ll get real about teaching in a contentious time. Increasingly school boards and legislators are getting involved in what should or should not be taught. Join Possip CEO and Founder, Shani Dowell, on October 5 from 4-5pm CT, as she facilitates a conversation with a panel and an intimate audience of parents and educators to talk about teaching in a contentious time. 

The post Real Talk: Relevant Teaching in a Contentious Time appeared first on Possip | Parent Engagement Platform | School Feedback App.