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!
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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.
