Motivating and Inspiring Teachers by Whitaker Todd;Whitaker Beth;Lumpa Dale;

Author:Whitaker, Todd;Whitaker, Beth;Lumpa, Dale;
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Group
Published: 2013-08-15T00:00:00+00:00

Let the Expert Be a Guide

When there is expertise in your building, use it! This wonderful wealth of knowledge can be used to move your school or team forward and can provide an important niche of belonging and contribution for the staff member deemed an expert. Please don’t feel that because I am using this word, you have to call them experts to their faces. Many teachers will feel uncomfortable with this term. Just give them the regard and acknowledgement they deserve because of their area of strength. Let these people guide and inform in-service committees. As your school begins to design staff or team professional development, use these people to share their wisdom, to suggest speakers and resources, and even to be presenters. These” experts” can also give mini-presentations at faculty or department meetings and share with their peers through your weekly memo. A short paragraph submitted by them describing a teaching strategy or new assessment approach can yield great benefits.

It is also important to encourage these people to share their teaching successes with others outside your school. Encourage them to present at regional, state, and national conferences. Share the guidelines for submitting presentation topics and offer your assistance in writing the proposal. Perhaps you even have money available to assist in their travel expenses if they are accepted to present. Presenting at conferences can reaffirm their commitment and boost morale significantly. Encourage everyone in the building to celebrate their success if they are accepted. They will be representing the entire school, and it is a wonderful opportunity for other educators to view your building in a positive and upbeat way.

Some of these teachers will also be interested in writing grants. Many grants provide funds for teaching resources, money to attend conferences, and funds to pay stipends for summer work. Identify the individuals you feel have the time, talents, and energy to write a grant proposal, and talk to them individually. Get a sense of their interest level. For some, the task may seem overwhelming. Make sure they know this is fine and that you don’t want to overburden them. Others will see the challenge as exciting and motivating. Send these people to grant writing workshops, let them read former accepted grants, and allow them to confer with other grant writers in the building or school district. The actual writing of the grant can sometimes allow these people to really internalize what they have accomplished and where they are headed. If the grant is awarded, it’s time for celebration! Acknowledge the success of hard work and enjoy using the extra funds to further the learning opportunities for the students in your building. Most of all, don’t be afraid to let these people help you learn.

Just being the leader of the organization doesn’t make you an expert on everything. Admit you are a lifelong learner and open your mind to the great things these staff members can teach you. Ask them questions, go to them for curricular suggestions, and thank them for what they give your department or building.

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