Teaching is demanding at best and exhausting at worst. As per the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), approximately 600,000 teachers have left the profession in just the last two years. The rate of attrition is alarmingly high, and it shows that teaching burnout is very real.
Now, you might not be able to fix – or even partially mend – this issue all by yourself. However, what you can do is take steps to improve morale so that your teachers remain excited, happy, and motivated, and are not tempted to look elsewhere for a career.
In this blog, we will discuss a few easy but effective ways to boost teachers’ morale.
Simple Ways to Boost Teachers’ Morale:
1) Know And Fulfill Teachers’ Needs:
One of the main reasons that teachers quit the profession is that they feel unheard. As an administrator, it is your responsibility to be aware of your teachers’ needs and help them fulfill those needs. These needs can range from new teachers requiring some guidance to a more experienced teacher wanting a one-hour weekly break to complete their paperwork. You could also introduce an open-door policy so that teachers do not feel hesitant to communicate their complaints, needs, and reservations.
As the leader, you can help your teachers in multiple ways, as long as you know the kind of help that they need.
2) Leverage The Power of Positive Words:
Using the magical ‘thank you’ or ‘congratulations’ can go a long way in making teachers feel valued and raising their morale. Whether publicly or privately, do not forget to celebrate your teachers’ successes and victories and make them realize how much they are valued.
Even a small handwritten note can do a world of good to a teacher’s motivation and help them find the strength to go on during tough days.
3) Create A Culture of Mentorship:
Strong induction and mentoring programs can help improve the teachers’ retention rate and slow down turnover. Experienced educators can act as guides for their newer, struggling counterparts. From offering instructional support to providing a listening ear, any kind of mentorship can help new teachers feel supported and confident.
This community of guidance and support can, once again, boost teachers’ morale and encourage them to remain committed to their work.
4) Respect Your Teachers’ Time:
Teachers have so much to handle, and we do not even know about the responsibilities on their shoulders once they step out of the classroom. Their plates are already beyond full, and you should avoid adding extra weight to these overflowing plates.
When you hold a meeting, for example, make sure that you start and end it in a timely manner so that no time is wasted. If you want to cancel a meeting, avoid informing your teachers at the last second.
Final Word:
Improved morale is just the by-product of making teachers feel heard, appreciated, and recognized. In other words, acknowledgment, appreciation, and respect are the foundations upon which morale and encouragement are built.
