It is said that teachers are the worst students. This is often because they feel as though their time is being wasted in teacher staff meetings and better spent in their classrooms.
Time is extremely important to teachers: They don’t have much.
Here are many ideas that will prevent teachers from looking toward their phones for engagement instead of at their fearless leader during a teacher staff meeting.
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Have food!!!
There is only one thing that may make a teacher’s heart beat a little faster than a Friday right before the final bell and that is Free Food.
A full Las Vegas buffet might not be possible at every single meeting, but even having a few Tootsie Rolls in the middle of the table helps to instantly raise morale.
Bring in a Keurig so staff members won’t have any problem being alert and focused. The effort and thought alone goes a long way during teacher staff meetings.
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Don’t scold in public.
A teacher staff meeting is never the time to admonish faculty for not following directives or procedures. Often, administrators direct a complaint to the whole staff when it is intended for a few people hoping “they” get the message.
Also, singling out grade-levels who perform poorly on standardized testing is divisive and harmful to morale.
Correcting staff is always better accomplished with private conferences. Staff meetings are for general information and team building, not for calling out a group of individuals.
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Run an efficient teacher staff meeting
Having an agenda and sticking to it is always the best practice.
We all know that there is that “One Teacher” who always wanders off-topic or asks a question just as the meeting is about to be dismissed.
Saying something like “Come see me after the meeting to discuss” or “We are running a bit behind” keeps the meeting focused and more productive.
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Collaborate.
It is important to involve “teachers” in teacher staff meetings. This doesn’t necessarily mean Icebreakers.
Teachers are so exhausted they don’t automatically feel like moving around and playing games.
Diane Levitz, a principal at West Elementary, says that “teachers love to leave a meeting just like they leave a conference — with something valuable they can take home.”
Have teachers share something a partner teacher did in their classroom. Teachers are more likely to want to share an instructional idea their colleague has than their own ideas.
Also, involving teachers in important decisions like choosing textbooks and instructional materials helps with building relationships. Teachers know which materials work best for their students.
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Build morale with positivity.
Positive aspects of teaching and learning should always be shared and appreciated.
This doesn’t essentially mean choosing the “Best Teachers” for that praise. This practice can often divide staff.
One great idea that principal Ken Rogers had was to have teachers write down positive characteristics of fellow teachers, mentioning some of their amazing work.
He picks a name, and the one chosen receives an award to keep in the classroom until the next meeting.
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Create an inviting atmosphere.
Create an atmosphere for staff meetings that is inviting to teachers.
Having teachers walk into “Because I’m Happy” or even “The Eye of the Tiger” can change the mood of the room instantly.
Add a Scentsy or plug-in to add to the relaxation effect.
Room temperature is also important; teachers waving their hand-outs in front of their faces, instead of reading them, is counter-productive.
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Focus on the concerns of teachers.
Being in touch with the needs of teachers builds relationships. Ask them what results they want to achieve from their teacher staff meetings.
Do they want to share concerns about student behavior or have guest speakers come in to talk about specific topics? Do they need strategies to deal with time management and personal stress?
They will tell you.
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Cancel unnecessary teacher staff meetings.
If a memo or an email can cover the entire content of a staff meeting, then call it off. Minutia can be sent out in an attachment.
Often, administrators worry that no one will read the information.
The same teachers who will read the emails are the teachers who will pay attention at the staff meetings.
Actually, more will probably read the info because they can do it on their own schedule.
Hook em now!
Start on Day One to engage teachers with staff meetings. They won’t have that same feeling of dread if they know meetings will be productive and useful.
Faculty may even look forward to meetings, especially if Krispy Kreme is waiting for them at the door.
Read also about tips for effective professional development here.
