The following was part of a collaborative effort between UCLA Center of Transformation of Schools and Association of California School Administrators on September 30, 2021.
Educational site leaders seek to maintain and enhance the staff well-being, particularly in challenging times, such as now.
One target is to continue to be more:
Being present entails noticing our staff changes, and listening between the lines as well, intently. When a leader is vulnerable, it involves having feedback, and asking the difficult questions. One manner to be vulnerable and model one’s own growth is with surveys.
Survey examples
The End of the Year survey example focuses on open-ended questions, and focuses specifically on the leadership, with school decisions.
The Learning example survey focuses on social emotional learning (SEL), Universal Design for Learning (UDL), and voting, demonstrating staff voice.
Survey results
Survey results may be shared to further demonstrate vulnerability. Results also create transparency, demonstrating the last element to continue to demonstrate to staff, which is to be responsive.
Another key feature of a site leader is being the filter and liaison between state and district initiatives with the site.
Initiatives are merged for staff at the site, thus decreasing anxiety and preventing the perception of additional tasks. Simplifying by modeling the integration of concepts assists staff to understand, and the leader to understand the complexities themselves.
Acknowledging the situation, demonstrating the acknowledgement with words and actions enhances the staff morale. Staff feels understood, and recognized for work.
Facilities and Staff Safe Space
Facilities such as staff lounges and creating a space for adults to practice mindfulness is one manner to demonstrate this acknowledged need, and demonstrating staff appreciation.
Always More 