Thursday 28 December 2023

Possip: 2023 Round Up of Research and Resources

As we say goodbye to 2023, we’re excited to reflect on the trailblazing journey of Possip. Our platform has supported two-way communication between schools and their families, staff, and students. We are truly honored to be a part of so many communities across the nation. 

Alongside our Pulse Checks® and Strategic Surveys, we offer strategies, tips, and encouragement throughout the year based on what we hear from our #PossipPartners. Let’s dive into the resources Possip provided this year that resonated most with parents, teachers, and school leaders:

The Rise of the SMS Rules of the Road

Our most downloaded resource, the “SMS Rules of the Road,” offers in-depth insights into updated SMS communication strategies and guidelines for schools using SMS to engage their families. The timely and value-packed content of this resource underscores Possip’s commitment to offering top-tier information and support. You can access this resource here, using the code FREEMEMBER to set up a membership account if you do not have one yet.

2023 Possip Events: Data, Action Steps, and Hope

Possip hosted seven informative and inspiring events in 2023, attracting over 1,200 registrants from across the country.  Each event highlighted issues and trends we saw reflected in responses to our Pulse Checks over the year. The events focused on areas such as increasing attendance and enrollment, leveraging community feedback for school improvement, and strategies to improve staff retention.

The “3rd Annual Trends Event” was particularly noteworthy, shedding light on the emerging trends of the 2022-2023 school year. Similarly, the “Breaking the Language Barrier” event provided insights into overcoming communication hurdles in diverse school environments. These events didn’t just share information; they created a shared space for learning, networking, and community building.

Here are recaps from the seven 2023 Possip events: 

    Top Blog Posts in 2023

    The most read posts on Possip’s blog in 2023 covered a variety of topics, indicating the diverse interests of Possip’s audience.

      2023 Conclusion: A Year of Meaningful Connections

      In conclusion, 2023 for Possip was a year marked by meaningful connections, resourceful insights, and community-driven events.

      Possip’s resources not only catered to the immediate needs of its audience but also anticipates future trends and concerns in the education sector. As Possip continues to grow and evolve, it remains a vital link between schools and their communities, a testament to the power of effective communication and engagement in education. We’re so grateful for our partnerships with leaders who want to actively engage and lift the voices of everyone in their community!

      The post Possip: 2023 Round Up of Research and Resources appeared first on Possip | Engagement Platform | School Feedback Survey.

      Tuesday 26 December 2023

      2023 Possip Interns and New Teammates

      This year, Possip welcomed a slew of talented people to help us support schools and amplify voices across the country. Interns and new hires jumped in to do everything from build and help our tech platform evolve, to serve customers with data analysis and smooth operations, to building relationships with potential #PossipPartners. 

      All 2023 Possip Interns

      We are thankful for the incredible work our interns completed this year and are excited to follow them in their future careers! 

      Abhigyan Acherjee | Data Science Intern

      Abhi Acherjee is a Computer Science major and an Economics minor at the University of Cincinnati. He has previously worked for CERN, and briefly in consulting, which is what pushed him into the data science field. He loves combining his data and project management skills to deliver analytics in a story telling based approach. Outside work, he loves listening to the Beatles or playing tennis.

      Caroline Carrello | Sales and Community Outreach Intern

      Caroline is a senior at Vanderbilt University studying Child Studies and Human and Organizational Development. Originally from Long Island, NY, Caroline is passionate about the education and business worlds. Outside work, she loves to cook, read, and be active!

      Arya Garg | Data Science Intern

      Arya brings to the team a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science from the University of Cincinnati. His solid foundation in data science is evident through his active involvement in research focusing on machine learning tools. Arya’s leadership shines through in student-driven initiatives such as Project Lykoi and Project Floppa, emphasizing his commitment to teamwork and the practical application of his academic knowledge. Beyond his professional and academic pursuits, Arya harbors diverse interests. He’s an avid chess player, appreciating the strategy and foresight the game requires. Photography is another passion; through his lens, Arya captures moments, both candid and crafted. On weekends, you might find him on a soccer field, channeling his energy and teamwork skills, or brainstorming solutions at a local hackathon, forever keen on enhancing his problem-solving abilities. Eager to learn and collaborate, Arya is ready to contribute his skills while absorbing all the industry experience he can.

      Monika Reddy Gunnam | Delivery Data Analyst Intern

      Monika Reddy Gunnam, from India, recently graduated from Lindner School of Business, University of Cincinnati with a Master’s degree in Business Analytics. She previously worked for Infosys as a Data Analyst and also holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Electronics and Communication in India. Apart from work, She is really passionate about art and enjoys walking, spending time with her family and friends.

      Rohit Menon | Delivery Data Intern

      Rohit Menon, originally from India, is currently pursuing his MS in Business Analytics from the Lindner School of Business at the University of Cincinnati. He began his career as a DBA at Capgemini before transitioning into the role of Marketing Analyst at Zoho Corporation. Alongside his MS in Business Analytics, Rohit holds a bachelor’s degree in computer science engineering and an MBA in Marketing. During his leisure time, Rohit enjoys immersing himself in books and exploring various culinary destinations along the east coast.

      Anika Naga | Business Analyst Intern

      Anika Naga is from Alpharetta, GA. Anika is currently a student at Vanderbilt University, studying Human and Organizational Development and Economics. She is passionate about the possibilities at the intersection of business and technology. In her free time, she likes to spend time with family and friends, take on art projects, bake, and discover new coffee shops.

      Alice Nguyen | Data Analyst Intern

      Alice Nguyen is an international student from Vietnam studying Business Analytics at the University of Cincinnati. She is a Data Analyst Intern, working closely with the Delivery Team this summer. Outside of school and work, Alice also has a huge passion for dancing and collecting stationery. Fun fact, she has collected more than 200 pens so far!

      Cora Stammen | Marketing Intern

      Cora Stammen is a current student at the University of Cincinnati majoring in Communication Design, and she is our intern for the design and marketing team. Cora was raised in a small town, St. Henry, OH, but now lives in the Queen City, Cincinnati. She spends her free time listening to music, drawing, and reading.

      Hailey Taylor | Marketing Intern

      Hailey Taylor has been studying communication design at the University of Cincinnati DAAP since 2019 and is our social media and graphic design intern. Hailey is from Troy, Ohio, and fell in love with design in high school. Hailey has always had a passion for creativity, and also loves photography, drawing, travel, long boarding, hiking, and spending time with loved ones (including her cats!).

      Lily Unterhaslberger | Marketing Intern

      Lily Unterhaslberger is studying communication design at the University of Cincinnati. She is excited to use her skills in design to help better students’ everyday lives. She is from Cincinnati, Ohio. When she is not designing, Lily enjoys drawing, visiting art museums, and walking her dog Ruckus.

      2023 New Possip Teammates

      This year Possip brought on exciting new talent through nine full time teammates! 

      new hires

      Read their bios at our Meet the Team page! 

      We’re so thankful for every Possip team member and wish them and their loved ones a very Happy New Year!

      The post 2023 Possip Interns and New Teammates appeared first on Possip | Engagement Platform | School Feedback Survey.

      Thursday 21 December 2023

      12 Days of Possip

      To celebrate the end of the year, our team compiled exciting milestones and data from Possip’s work supporting schools and districts in 2023. Thank you to all of our #PossipPartners for working so hard with us to strengthen your schools and communities!

      We first shared these images and captions on our Instagram account. Follow @possipit for motivation, insights from our data, customer spotlights, and more!

      Day 1

      On the first day of Possip, our data shows to thee…. We have some awesome partners!

       

      Day 2

      Day 2 = 2 NEW states with Possip Partners! Welcome Washington and Arizona!

       

      Day 3

      On Day 3, we celebrate the power of SMS/texting to hear from your people!

       

      Day 4

      On the 4th day of Possip… We are celebrating hearing from over 450,000 people this year!

       

      Day 5

      We’ve received 1,200+ GOLDEN people excited to attend our events this year!

       

      Day 6

      6 ways to use Possip to learn from your community!

      Day 7

      So many great questions! So many great answers!

      Day 8

      We love to see it, Roe 33 – share the praise!

      Day 9

      Our OGs: Nashville Classical and STRIVE! Y’all rock!

      Day 10

      On the 10th Day of Possip.. we celebrate LEAD and Nacogdoches for having the most responses via text!

      Day 11

      Shout out to our Partners who use their Bonus Questions the most!

      Day 12

      On the 12th and final day of Possip, we recognize HISD for receiving responses in over 50 languages this year!

      Day 12 Bonus

      As a bonus we are excited to celebrate Nashville Classical for hearing from their entire community!

      The post 12 Days of Possip appeared first on Possip | Engagement Platform | School Feedback Survey.

      Tuesday 19 December 2023

      6 Ways Parents Can Support Strong Teacher Communication

      Many schools have embraced connecting with parents via phone or virtual meetings instead of requiring them to be in-person. This allows teachers the opportunity to connect with more families. Parents don’t have to take time off work or find childcare for younger siblings while they travel to school and teachers don’t have to spend quite as many hours at school after the school day. 

      This article was originally posted August 2020. We’ve updated the content and provided a few additional ideas!

      However, we know that being in the same room, sharing a handshake and smile, reading body language, and feeling each other’s presence can help establish and build trust. So how can parents successfully build relationships with teachers if they don’t meet with them in person? 

      Here are a few tips for parents navigating communication with their child’s teacher:

      1. Build a Positive Emotional Bank Account

      Share praise with your teacher whenever you can. Send emails, texts, or other messages to share the “good things” with teachers. Sharing small and large gratitudes for teachers is so important for parent-teacher relationships. Teachers may not hear a lot of positives from parents, so being intentional about doing that builds a great relationship. This is really an easy thing to do virtually and builds a “positive bank account” with teachers if you ever need additional support for you or your child.

      If you haven’t heard the term “emotional bank account” yet, it’s a term by Steven Covey that mirrors how a normal bank account works to build trust with others. We make deposits in a bank account, we save, and we withdraw money. But instead of money in an emotional bank account, it’s trust. We want to build that positive bank account with teachers and peers in every setting, so that if we need to withdraw “money” and ask for flexibility or additional support. 

      2. Ask Teachers What They Need

      Reach out to teachers via email, call, text, or other school communication tool and see what they need. Being there for your teacher builds a trusting relationship with them and lets them know you’re there for them. This really creates a “team mentality” and helps them know you’re supporting them. Here are some ideas for asking what teachers might need from you throughout the year:

          • Beginning of the year:
                • Do you need help sorting and storing supplies? 

                • Are there any supplies that you could use more of?

            • Throughout the year:
                  • Is there anything I can prepare for you at home and drop off at school – like putting together little reader books or washing and folding extra sets of clothing?

                  • Do you need more tissues or hand sanitizer or dry erase markers or sharpened pencils?

              • When holidays approach:
                    • Do you need help coordinating parent volunteers? 

                    • Do you need help coordinating things families can send in for the special day? 

              3. Offer to Start or Help Monitor a Parent Forum Method

              If your teacher is open to it, offer to start a parent forum. This will serve as a way for parents to communicate with the teacher easily and ask questions to the teacher or to each other. This could be a Facebook page, a spot on Google Classroom, a GroupMe conversation, or another school-approved method of communication. Offering to help your teacher open a lane of communication could be a great help to them to keep everyone informed with the classroom needs and events over the year.

              4. Suggest a Brainstorm Session

              Reach out to your teacher to see if they’d be interested in setting up a call or video chat to brainstorm ideas for parent-teacher communication. Some teachers may be very open to getting thoughts and ideas from parents. You could also reach out to a school administrator and do the same thing. The administrator could share those ideas in the brainstorming session with their whole staff or even invite teachers to the call or video conference. Approach this brainstorming session as something that you both don’t have answers to but want to create helpful communication methods for both teachers and parents.

              5. Share Helpful Resources

              When you find a good article or idea on how teachers can build parent-teacher communication, share it with your teacher in a friendly way. You’ll want to have a positive bank account built with this teacher so they know you’re not passing judgment on what they’re currently doing in their classroom, though. Sending the articles, resources, or blogs with your teacher and providing positive framing and rationale for why you’re sending it is important. 

              6. Come Prepared to Parent / Teacher Conferences

              Teachers typically have a lot of information to give you about your student and their academic and social progress. Thinking through what you would like to know and discuss can help everyone feel like the conference is a meaningful dialogue instead of a one-sided presentation. Check out Possip’s guide to Parent / Teacher conferences for specific ideas on how to maximize your time with your teachers. 

              Reach out to support@possip.com if you’re interested in parent training for your school community!

              The post 6 Ways Parents Can Support Strong Teacher Communication appeared first on Possip | Engagement Platform | School Feedback Survey.

              Friday 15 December 2023

              What You Can Do When Your Staff Gives You Critical Feedback

              Unlock a world of exclusive content and insights for leaders who listen!

              Join our community of Possip Members to get ahead of the trends, access free resources, and more!

              If you are already a #PossipPartner, good news! Your Membership is on us. Use coupon code: POSSIPPARTNER to start enjoying your membership today!

              If you are not yet a Possip Partner, we are offering a limited-time promo code for non-partners. Use the coupon code: FREEMEMBER to get started.

              SIGN UP NOW or sign in below.

              The post What You Can Do When Your Staff Gives You Critical Feedback appeared first on Possip | Engagement Platform | School Feedback Survey.

              Tuesday 12 December 2023

              Make the Most of Your Parent-Teacher Conference: Tips for Parents

              Unlock a world of exclusive content and insights for leaders who listen!

              Join our community of Possip Members to get ahead of the trends, access free resources, and more!

              If you are already a #PossipPartner, good news! Your Membership is on us. Use coupon code: POSSIPPARTNER to start enjoying your membership today!

              If you are not yet a Possip Partner, we are offering a limited-time promo code for non-partners. Use the coupon code: FREEMEMBER to get started.

              SIGN UP NOW or sign in below.

              The post Make the Most of Your Parent-Teacher Conference: Tips for Parents appeared first on Possip | Engagement Platform | School Feedback Survey.

              Make the Most of Your Parent-Teacher Conference: Tips for Parents

              It’s that time of year again – Parent-Teacher Conference Season! These conferences provide the perfect opportunity for parents and teachers to maintain an ongoing dialogue. 

              Caroline Carrello, a Possip intern majoring in Human and Organization Development at Vanderbilt University, compiled tips for families for effective Parent-Teacher conferences. 


              Conferences give the opportunity to discuss your child’s academic performance and well-being at school. This allows you to stay informed, express concerns, and collaborate with teachers in nurturing your child’s growth, all while forging a strong connection between home and school.

              Before Your Conference 

              • Be in the know: Determine the conference dates.
              • Be proactive: If conferences are not scheduled by the school or teacher, contact your child’s teacher and request a conference.
              • Review your child’s work: Go through your child’s recent assignments, tests, and homework to understand their academic progress and any areas where they may be struggling.
              • Communicate with your child: Talk to your child about the upcoming conference and ask for their input on any concerns or questions. Encourage them to share their thoughts and feelings about school.
              • Formulate questions: Think about what is most important to you and what you could use help with from another adult who knows your child in a different context than you do. We came up with some questions to help get you started!

               

              The post Make the Most of Your Parent-Teacher Conference: Tips for Parents appeared first on Possip | Engagement Platform | School Feedback Survey.

              Monday 11 December 2023

              Take 5 To Prepare for the New Semester

              Unlock a world of exclusive content and insights for leaders who listen!

              Join our community of Possip Members to get ahead of the trends, access free resources, and more!

              If you are already a #PossipPartner, good news! Your Membership is on us. Use coupon code: POSSIPPARTNER to start enjoying your membership today!

              If you are not yet a Possip Partner, we are offering a limited-time promo code for non-partners. Use the coupon code: FREEMEMBER to get started.

              SIGN UP NOW or sign in below.

              The post Take 5 To Prepare for the New Semester appeared first on Possip | Engagement Platform | School Feedback Survey.

              Friday 8 December 2023

              Sustaining Strong Schools: Strategies for Teacher and Staff Retention – Event Recap

              Possip’s most recent webinar brought together a panel of experts to discuss innovative strategies for enhancing staff retention in schools. The event centered on data collected through school Pulse Checks® and underscored the importance of listening to and valuing staff feedback, a cornerstone of Possip’s mission.

              Jordan Jones, a former teacher and the event’s moderator, set the stage for an insightful discussion. Jordan’s background as an educator brought a relatable and experienced perspective to the conversation.

              The panel explored the “Top 10 Staff Feedback Trends” and “5 Key Recommendations” aimed at improving teacher and staff satisfaction. Highlights included the significance of peer recognition opportunities, addressing teacher workload, and bolstering internal communication systems.

              Panelists

                • Shani Dowell: With over 20 years in education, including roles in teacher recruitment and retention with organizations like Teach For America and KIPP, Shani brings a wealth of experience. Her background as a teacher in various cities enriches her insights into the challenges educators face.

                • Alyssa Collins: A former teacher turned Assistant Principal in a New York City Public School, Alyssa’s transition to a school leader gives her a unique perspective on teacher satisfaction and challenges. Her current role as a Relationship Manager with Possip allows her to connect directly with educators’ needs.

                • Elizabeth Janca: Elizabeth’s background as a counselor and administrator, with a focus on operations, provides a balanced view of both human needs and operational strategies in education.

                • Jennifer Kehl: Leading data analysis for consumer brands before joining Possip, Jennifer’s expertise helps schools interpret and act upon community insights.

                retention

                Data-Informed Discussion

                First, Jordan shared some of the data our team analyzed from staff surveys Possip Partners collected in 2022-23. That included the Top 10 Staff Concerns:

                1. Student Discipline/Behavior
                2. Teacher Workload
                3. Administration Feedback
                4. Compensation
                5. Communication
                6. Teacher Trainings
                7. Teacher Vacancies
                8. Teacher Duties & Requirements
                9. Curriculum Feedback
                10. School Schedule

                Next, Jordan shared a chart that showed how those Top 10 concerns present throughout the school year. Our panelists explored the data and shared ways it can help school leaders manage and anticipate staff concerns. Watch as Jennifer and Elizabeth discuss their observations:

                 

                Then, Jordan asked the panelists to share their thoughts about the staff data at large:

                  • Jennifer dove into the data and some of the findings she and her team were surprised to uncover. 

                  • Elizabeth further explored the connection between Teacher Vacancy concerns and concerns about Teacher Duties and Requirements and stressed the importance of protecting teacher’s planning times.

                    • Alyssa discussed the motivation of teachers and how satisfying it can be to witness and celebrate students’ success in the classroom. She also talked about the changes she has seen as teaching has evolved over the past few decades, especially the focus on personalized learning, tracking progress, and communicating growth and struggles with students and families. She stressed the importance of trust within the school community and how that is supported by open lines of communication. 

                    • Shani observed that the data can confirm staff experience and that school leaders can help normalize some of the stressors that staff express throughout the year. 

                    Key Recommendations and Tactics to Achieve Them

                    After the panel shared their observations, Shani walked through 5 Key Recommendations and tactics to achieve them from Possip:

                      Recommendation #1: Ask and Listen

                        In this segment, Shani Dowell explained the value of asking and listening to staff and the importance of offering an opportunity to provide anonymous feedback. 

                        Recommendation #2: Enhance Peer Recognition Programs

                        Tactics to achieve this recommendation:

                          • Create a visual “Shout Out” board in public or staff-only areas
                          • Save space in staff meetings for Team Brags
                          • Broadcast PRAISE

                          Recommendation #3: Address and Reduce Staff Workload

                          Tactics to achieve this recommendation:

                            • Calendar Opportunities to Reduce Workload
                            • Ask Teachers How to Adjust Teacher Duties and Requirements 
                            • Consider Options for Subbing or Covering Classes or Other Duties
                            • Communicate and Respond to Mid-year Vacancies
                              • Click here for specific ideas to communicate to staff, families, and students.
                            • Optimize school schedules

                            Click here to review the resource shared in the chat with additional ideas: Ways to Reduce Workload in Your School(s). 

                            Recommendation #4: Give Meaningful Feedback and Support

                               

                              Shani explains the feedback staff share regarding their leadership and how to proactively address those concerns. 

                              Recommendation #5: Develop an Internal Communication Plan

                              Tactics to achieve this recommendation:

                                • Two Way Communication Mechanisms

                                • Digital Communication Platform

                                • Regular Virtual Town Hall Meetings

                                • Enhanced Professional Development on Communication Skills

                                As the event concluded, the panelists underscored the critical role of Possip in boosting staff morale. Possip’s ability to facilitate positive feedback sharing and provide actionable insights was highlighted as a key tool for school leaders in their quest to create better educational environments.

                                Invitation to Explore Further

                                To view the event’s rich discussions and insights, visit our membership portal with the code FREEMEMBER. Here, we will release the event recording and additional resources to aid in your journey towards creating stronger, more supportive school communities.

                                The post Sustaining Strong Schools: Strategies for Teacher and Staff Retention – Event Recap appeared first on Possip | Engagement Platform | School Feedback Survey.

                                Tuesday 5 December 2023

                                How To Improve Internal School Communication Channels

                                Unlock a world of exclusive content and insights for leaders who listen!

                                Join our community of Possip Members to get ahead of the trends, access free resources, and more!

                                If you are already a #PossipPartner, good news! Your Membership is on us. Use coupon code: POSSIPPARTNER to start enjoying your membership today!

                                If you are not yet a Possip Partner, we are offering a limited-time promo code for non-partners. Use the coupon code: FREEMEMBER to get started.

                                SIGN UP NOW or sign in below.

                                The post How To Improve Internal School Communication Channels appeared first on Possip | Engagement Platform | School Feedback Survey.

                                How To Improve Internal School Communication Channels

                                When we compiled the responses we’ve collected from staff Pulse Checks this fall and compared it to last years’, Communication jumped out as a top trend. Staff requested both more detailed content as well as more frequent communication from their leaders. 

                                As one teacher noted, [we need] “Clear and timely communication. If something important is being shared or an event is scheduled, it would be nice to know all of the details (where, when, etc.) well in advance – not the day of or the day before.” With that sentiment in mind, here are four strategies to consider to bolster your efforts to get information to teachers and staff:  

                                Implement a Digital Communication Platform

                                Utilize a comprehensive digital communication platform that integrates various forms of communication such as emails, announcements, and direct messaging. This platform should be accessible to all staff and offer features like bulletin boards, forums for discussions, and channels for different departments and teams. Implement analytics to track engagement and identify areas where communication can be further improved.

                                Using a digital communication platform streamlines communication, reduces information overload, and ensures that important messages are not lost in the clutter of emails. It also fosters a more connected and transparent school community.

                                Create a team culture that communicates well and makes sure everyone stays informed. For more tactics that respond to concerns and feedback from teachers and staff, attend our virtual event, “Sustaining Strong Schools: Strategies for Teacher and Staff Retention” on Dec 7, 2023 at 11 CST / 12 EST.

                                The post How To Improve Internal School Communication Channels appeared first on Possip | Engagement Platform | School Feedback Survey.

                                Monday 4 December 2023

                                6 Ways to Retain and Motivate Staff Over Winter Break

                                After several years of modified schooling, illnesses, and complex world issues, everyone is ready for a break this winter. As an administrator, you hope your staff prioritizes recharging over the holidays. You want to set up students and staff to come back ready in January. But you might also be worried about teacher motivation and retention during this time of year.  

                                Cate Reed, seasoned administrator, current Senior Vice President of Teach For America, and Possip Reporter, explains six strategies to retain and motivate staff over lengthy breaks.

                                We know we always think broadly about engaging and retaining staff. As you enter a lengthy break, there are six things you can consider specifically to ensure staff return in January and are excited about the second semester. 

                                1. Spend December in Gratitude 

                                Each day in December, publicly share gratitude for a specific staff member or two. Consider a Gratitude Wall where you can post your thanks. Consider targeting staff members who you know have had ups and downs this fall or who you may be concerned are a retention risk.  Invite others to pile on their thanks as well.  When things are busy, a moment of acknowledgment goes a long way. Share comments from your Possip report to show how families appreciate your staff’s efforts as well.

                                2. Express Specific Thanks to Staff Members 

                                Let your staff know that you value their efforts. A simple thank-you note or verbal expression of gratitude can make a big difference. Consider mailing each teacher a thank you note the week before New Year’s. Be specific about how they have been valuable to your team. Consider having a student from each class do the same and include those notes in your letter to them. If you have a large staff, ask several administrators to help you and divide and conquer. Nothing is nicer than receiving a handwritten note in your mailbox! 

                                3. Schedule Events for Jan and Feb 

                                Usually, schools have holiday parties for staff, which can be a blast! Consider a return to school event. Or, when the winter blues set in, it could be great for staff to know they have Chipotle in the teacher lounge a couple of Wednesdays in January. Or maybe coffee and bagels every Monday through Valentine’s Day. Provide times for teachers and staff to connect with their coworkers when they are off-duty to build camaraderie.

                                4. Reach Out to the Local Community 

                                Local restaurants and businesses are usually eager to offer discounts or benefits to teachers. Email local spas, restaurants, and retail stores to compile a list of offerings for your teachers and present it to them before your break. Many national perks already exist. 

                                5. Advocate For Them

                                If you notice that your teachers lack certain resources or face challenges, consider advocating for them, and tell them you have done so. Everyone likes to know that their leader is in their corner. 

                                6. Ask

                                Give a Possip Bonus Question! Ask teachers what specific things the school could provide after the break to make the transition to the second semester easier. Only include things you can actually do. A small supply stipend? A system to swap duty periods?  

                                Remember, teachers are more likely to stay motivated and committed when they feel supported. Find ways to demonstrate your appreciation and invite students and families to participate!

                                To dive deeper into tactics for retaining top talent, register to attend our live virtual event – Sustaining Strong Schools: Strategies for Teacher and Staff Retention. On Thursday, December 7, 2023 at 11 CST, we will analyze nationwide staff feedback gathered through Possip Pulse Checks, explore factors influencing job satisfaction, and share tactics for a supportive work culture at school.

                                We can’t wait to see you there!

                                The post 6 Ways to Retain and Motivate Staff Over Winter Break appeared first on Possip | Engagement Platform | School Feedback Survey.

                                Friday 1 December 2023

                                Dear First-Year Teacher

                                Dear First-Year Teacher,

                                When I think about my own season as a first-year educator, I wish I could give my past self a big ol’ hug. Every day can feel like you’re learning so much while trying to teach at the same time! From veteran teachers everywhere–we hear you, and we have all been there.

                                Sarah Besand, a teacher and Possip Reporter, encourages first-year teachers with tips and advice from seasoned educators. 

                                Teachers build up each other. Whether it’s staff members in your building showing you tricks of the trade or teachers in this blog sharing their advice, teachers help teachers. Here’s a collection of tips and advice from veteran teachers who were once in your very same shoes.

                                Prioritize Self Care

                                As I interviewed a pool of educators I admire, I heard a clear emphasis on prioritizing self care again and again. As teachers, we can often feel committed to many  projects and tasks throughout the day. However, prioritizing self care on our to-do list ultimately makes us stronger in our field. It’s important to remember that our students prosper when we are healthy, calm, and well-rested. 

                                It’s also important for our students to see relaxed and regulated role models in their life. In our fast-paced world today, self-care can frequently be pushed to the back burner, and our students mimic what they are surrounded by. Consider modeling for students what it looks like to take care of yourself emotionally and physically as an important investment in the next generation.

                                Self-care can look different for every teacher. I find rejuvenation while hiking, practicing yoga, and journaling. For another teacher it could be making time for a Zumba class or playing with their children. For another it could be weekly therapy. If you find something restful and energizing at the same time, it’s probably a great self-care choice for you. Remember that what serves you best can change over time. Here’s a blog with more ideas!

                                Advice from veteran teachers:

                                “There will always be something to you–you have to shut it off sometimes!” -Hope P.

                                “My self-care routine is the key to my success as a teacher. The more I invest in myself, the better teacher I become.” -Sarah B.

                                Organize and Simplify Your To-Do List

                                Simplify. Simplify. As teachers, we have to accept that our to-do list never truly finishes. This can feel overwhelming or empowering or both at the same time! Explore techniques that can help you break up tasks into small chunks or tasks for different days. Check out Maximizing Planning Time: A Perspective for Teachers and Administrators for more details on those ideas.

                                As I spoke with several veteran teachers I admire, I was reminded of several ideas for simplifying that I’d like to incorporate myself as well. This mostly revolved around focusing on one thing at a time, and I know this could help first-year teachers too. In my day-to-day life, I’ve often found myself trying to make copies, send an email, and call a parent in the same 10 minutes. My mentors reminded me that being present in every step reduces my stress levels and improves the quality of what I am producing!

                                Advice from veteran teachers:

                                “It’s easy to feel overwhelmed, so just focus on one thing at a time.” -Shelby B.

                                “Set boundaries but be flexible with yourself.” -Melynda B.

                                Seek a Mentor

                                For every challenge teaching for the first time brings, a mentor can help tremendously. Sometimes schools have a mentor program already in place. If this doesn’t exist at your school, seeking a mentor will be transformative to your teaching practice.

                                Asking a teacher you admire to be your mentor can be incredibly rewarding for that teacher. The simple question of: “I love the way you teach and I’m inspired by your longevity in the career. Will you be my teaching mentor?” is such an honor for a veteran teacher. And they will more than likely be happy to help assist you on your journey! They can be there for questions you may have, advice you are seeking, or simply a listening ear. 

                                First-year teacher, you are destined for greatness! We hope these tips from folks who have been in your shoes help on your journey. Remember, we are here for you.

                                Sincerely,

                                Teachers Everywhere

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