Are you looking forward to the start of school with excitement or dread?
The best part of being an educator, is the fresh start we all get when a new school year begins. I have always been like the students who were excited about the new year. I could not sleep the night before, eager to meet my students. Even though I still get excited about the first day, it has changed since I became an administrator. I miss that student-teacher interactions on the first day. Sure, I still have great interactions with my students, but it is not the same. It is harder and we must intentionally look for these positive interactions.
As school administrators, we too have things we look forward to. This may come as a shock to classroom teachers, but we did miss all of you too. The relationships we all have as professionals are so important. This year with all the stress dealing with COVID-19, that relationship is key to the success of the school year. We will come together like we always do as a united front to support our students and one another each day. Never lose site of the importance of checking in with our peers.
Another thought for administrators. The excitement around new initiatives we are trying this fall or book studies we are engaging in. Maybe it is a new curriculum, assessment protocol, or another procedure needing changed. When we are stretching ourselves and trying new things it is engaging our thought processes and problem solving. An entire staff are working in unison to better the education of all students. This is great stuff we can all get excited about.
Most importantly, is your enthusiasm. People tend to match our moods, and if you are excited about the start of the year then they too may get excited. If you show your enthusiasm for new initiatives, I believe you will gain more buy-in. Teachers do this every day. When we get kids excited about learning or school projects, we get their best efforts. I believe we can achieve this with all staff, and as administrators we cannot forget this.
What are you excited about this year?
How are you showing your enthusiasm with staff and students?
What is your plan to show this inner excitement every day, and not let it dissipate?
Have a great school year, and as always please leave your comments in the comment sections. Your feedback and discussion are greatly appreciated.
