The summer haze is fading, and with it, the quiet stillness of your empty classroom. Soon, the halls will be filled with the eager, and sometimes anxious, faces of students and their families. This is a moment we all prepare for, meticulously arranging bulletin boards, perfecting lesson plans, and organizing supplies.

However, one of the most critical events of the back-to-school season is not for our students, but for their most important advocates: their parents and guardians. Back to School Night is more than just a meet-and-greet; it’s the cornerstone of a successful family-school partnership, setting the tone for communication, collaboration, and mutual respect for the entire year.

As educators, we know that a strong partnership with families is crucial for student success. A well-executed Back to School Night can bridge the gap between home and school, transforming parents from passive observers into active partners in their child’s education. This isn’t a time for a performance, but for a professional, informative, and approachable presentation that empowers families and builds trust.

Phase 1: The Pre-Night Preparation

The success of your event hinges on what happens before the first family walks through your door. Think of this as laying the groundwork for a successful partnership.

The Invitation: Timely & Transparent

Don’t just rely on the school-wide notification. Send a personalized, direct email to the families in your class. Include:

• • The exact date, time, and location of the event.
  • A brief, bulleted agenda of what to expect.
  • Clear instructions on where to park or enter the building.
  • A warm, welcoming tone that expresses your excitement to meet them.
  • Information about any virtual attendance options or a plan for families who cannot attend. This shows inclusivity and a commitment to reaching all families.

The Classroom Environment: Organized & Welcoming

Your physical space is a silent communicator. It should reflect the thoughtful, organized, and inviting learning environment you’ve created for their children.

• • Desk & Classroom Setup: Ensure the classroom is clean and well-organized. Leave a “welcome” packet on each desk or chair.
  • Student Work: Showcase a few examples of student work from the first few days of school (if possible), or display student name tags and “All About Me” posters. This personalizes the space and makes families feel connected.
  • Essential Information: Have your classroom rules, a daily schedule, and other key information visibly posted. This demonstrates transparency and structure.

The Materials: Ready to Go

Create a packet of information for each family. This is a critical resource that families can refer to throughout the year. Your packet should include:

• • A “Meet the Teacher” handout with your photo, a brief professional biography, and a personal detail or two to make you approachable (e.g., a favorite hobby or a pet).
  • Your contact information and preferred communication methods (e.g., email, a classroom app, a call during your planning period).
  • A copy of your classroom’s daily schedule.
  • A clear outline of your classroom management system and behavior expectations.
  • A detailed curriculum overview for the year, highlighting key topics and projects.
  • Information about homework policies and grading procedures.
  • A list of classroom needs or a link to an Amazon wish list (optional but often appreciated).
  • Sign-up sheets for parent-teacher conferences or classroom volunteers.

Phase 2: The Main Event: Engagement, Not Just Information

This is your opportunity to connect and build relationships. While presenting information is important, the goal is to foster a two-way dialogue and make families feel heard and valued.

The Introduction: A Human Connection

Begin with a genuine, heartfelt welcome. Introduce yourself not just as a teacher, but as a dedicated professional committed to their child’s growth. Share your teaching philosophy and a brief story about what inspired you to become an educator. This helps families see you as a person, not just a position.

The Presentation: Focused & Efficient

Your presentation should be concise and highly organized. Use a slideshow to guide the discussion and keep families on track.

• • Curriculum & Learning Goals: Provide an overview of the year’s curriculum. Explain the why behind your lessons—how they are designed to meet specific learning objectives and prepare students for the next grade level.
  • Classroom Procedures & Expectations: Clearly communicate expectations for behavior, homework, and classroom routines. Explain how these procedures create a safe, consistent, and productive learning environment.
  • Communication: The Cornerstone: Detail your communication plan. Let families know how often you will send updates, what type of updates to expect, and the best way to reach you with questions or concerns. Emphasize that you are a partner in their child’s education.
  • Parent Involvement: Call to Action: Provide concrete ways for parents to get involved, from volunteering in the classroom to supporting learning at home. This transforms “parental involvement” from a vague concept into a clear and actionable path.

The Activities: Building Community

Beyond the presentation, include a few simple activities to foster connection and lighten the mood.

• • “All About My Child” Notes: Provide a note card on each desk and ask families to write a quick note to you about their child—a fun fact, a favorite subject, or something they are looking forward to this year. This provides you with valuable, personalized insights.
  • Scavenger Hunt: Create a simple scavenger hunt for families to explore the classroom, finding different learning centers, the daily schedule, or student work. This encourages them to engage with the physical space.
  • Q&A Session: Dedicate time for questions. While it’s best to save individual questions about a specific child for a private conference, you can use this time to address general questions about the classroom or curriculum.

Phase 3: The Post-Night Follow-Up

The end of the night is just the beginning. The steps you take afterward solidify the trust you’ve started to build.

• The Thank You Note: Send a follow-up email to all families (those who attended and those who didn’t). Thank them for their time and reiterate your enthusiasm for the year ahead.
• Share Resources: For families who couldn’t attend, include the presentation slides or a summary of the key information in your follow-up email. This ensures that everyone has access to the same critical details.
• Review & Reflect: Take a moment to reflect on what went well and what could be improved for next year. What questions came up frequently? What resources seemed most helpful? Use this feedback to refine your process.

Back to School Night is your first, best chance to create a classroom community built on a foundation of open communication and shared goals. By following this comprehensive checklist, you can move past the typical meet-and-greet and establish the kind of meaningful, collaborative relationships that lead to a successful and rewarding school year for everyone.

You’ve got important career goals — we have the graduate program to get you there. Check out our available graduate degree programs  to advance your career today!

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On an airplane, they tell you to put on the oxygen first, then help others…that is because if you don’t take care of yourself, you can’t take care of others. The same is true for teaching. Your preparation will significantly impact your students’ outcome of the school year. Yes, many things will happen that will be totally out of your control, but as the famous scientist Louis Pasteur said: “Chance favors the prepared.”

Preparing for the First Day of School

Teachers really need the time before school to prepare, as do administrators, but the preparation needed for when students walk in the door to learn the first day can set the tone for the rest of the year. When students walk in the door, the school and the classrooms need to be ready to go…it sets the tone for the school year.

Having your classroom ready and in order is of utmost importance. This starts with the organization of the classroom. Where will everyone sit? Will there be centers? How will students move around? Where will students pick up paper? Where will students store their backpacks?

Second, procedures need to be in place in the classroom and around the school. For example, in the classrooms, teachers need to know how students will ask questions by raising their hand or by another non-verbal message.

• How will students move from station to station?
• What is the procedure for going to the bathroom? What is the procedure for when students are absent to get their work?
• When is lunch?
• When are specials at the elementary level?
• Where do we go in a fire drill?

Lastly in this section, teachers need to have a couple of weeks of lessons ready to go. Once the students come into the building, life gets very busy. Staying two to three weeks ahead in lessons makes the teacher’s life much easier; there will not be stress over what they will do that day in class.

Where we work in Texas, a full year’s curriculum can be provided to the teachers to help this process so that it is easier to go teach. In the end before students arrive, when lesson plans, classrooms and procedures are in place, odds are a good school year is about to get underway.

Organization Tips

The top organization tip we give to teachers for the school year is the seating chart. It makes clear to students that the teacher is in charge of the classroom. Students will try to sit with their friends or in places they can hide letting the teacher know they make the decisions.  A seating chart allows the teacher to set up groups and make needed accommodation for students.

As part of a teacher’s classroom procedures, the organization of certain items around the room can help the flow and ease of movement. As mentioned above cubbies for backpacks, a place where students can pick up work when they are absent, a place to store extra school supplies, etc. can help rooms be organized and less distracting for learning.

Another facet to the organization front are the procedures of how students move around the room and in and out of the room.

• In secondary classrooms, when students enter the room where will their backpacks go?
• Will students pick up a notebook when they enter and then go sit down?
• In elementary schools, how will students get up to go to the cafeteria?
• How will they walk down the hall?

All of the procedures will impact the organization of classrooms for teachers and students.

Self-Care Tips

Part of surviving the school year is dependent on taking care of yourself and your family. Teachers, hear this now, especially young teachers from this administrator with twenty-two years of educational experience…don’t stay at school except if you have an obligation (game or club) past six p.m. unless you have to. You need the time to let your mind rest, eat, relax, sleep, etc. This is the number one way to achieve burnout status. Set those boundaries for yourself and your family.

There is no doubt that exercise, prayer or meditation (whatever you prefer), events with friends, etc., all are good contributors to keeping yourself mentally and physically strong. The previous list provides mental breaks and strength to handle the day-to-day volume of decisions you will make in the classroom.

This next one is not groundbreaking but ironically very beneficial: Take vitamins. It is not a coincidence that teachers’ immune systems are scientifically proven to be very strong. That is because each day, we come in contact with many people, and most of them are little Petri dishes with many germs on and inside of them. Vitamins will not only energize you but help maintain wellness throughout the year.

Finally, the principal I most try to pattern myself after told me this when I informed him that I was thinking about going into administration, however I believe it applies to teachers also, especially those on their feet all day. He told me, “get a good pair of shoes,” Mr. Woodhouse was right. The ability to go home each day without your feet being in pain from walking around all day or developing a plantar fasciitis issue, is invaluable. Good teachers and administrators are on their feet often…get a good pair of shoes.

In the end, surviving the school year is about your preparation, your organization, and your health. Please, please, take care of yourself so that you can take care of those who you have been given charge of this year.

Educators never stop learning; check out our available graduate degree programs  to hone your skills and promote lifelong learning and academic excellence.

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The COVID-19 pandemic has made it clear that education has changed in many ways. Because of the newly pervasive virus variant, universities and colleges are experiencing staff shortages.  We are still experiencing schools closing for in-person learning and a pause in extracurricular activities due to the pandemic.

Schools are also now forced to address learning gaps. During virtual learning, students of all levels have missed out on their collaborative group time which is essential; colleges and schools are trying to find time to implement peer support.

As we continue through these challenging times, we have to ensure that teaching and learning continue to occur in schools.

Things to Consider Before Applying

Below are some of the things you need to consider before deciding to go back to school:

Safety

New instructional challenges and barriers to implementing COVID-19 prevention measures have affected teachers’ mental health. The mental health of the educator is linked to how effective they feel in their classroom.

With coronavirus cases surging, several states are suspending in-person learning. The current situation with the pandemic and the virus variants are putting states in a tough place. When it is safe, we must continue to have in-person learning experiences for students. Despite the challenges, we need to keep the students safe and learning.

The big question is, how do we move forward with all the barriers we are presently facing? Some would say constant collaboration; we are thankful for the constant collaboration between schools and the health department.

A Great Need

A lot of people say, “I want to make a difference.” This is a wonderful time to make a difference. Individuals need to step back and wonder about a career path they might have never considered because it is time to look at all possibilities. Look at your skillset and pursue that path; identify the areas you want to develop, find out what you are good at, and seek those areas by furthering your education.

According to recent guidance from the Tennessee Department of Education, the criteria that confirm the lowest-performing schools is in process. There is a great need for graduate schools to start preparing their students to address this challenge because states are restarting the accountability piece since the pandemic and students will continue to be tested in reading, math, and science.

Mental Health

Schools also need to provide mental health support, and students need to know how to access mental health services. Universities can have a significant impact on mental health and students’ understanding of the subject.

Research by the National Association of School Psychologists shows that students are more likely to seek counseling when resources are available at school. From the research they gathered, they also concluded that students who receive social, emotional, and mental health support achieve better academically.

Technology

During the pandemic, a lot of emphasis was put on virtual learning. Students learned to use technology in ways they had never done before. One of the advantages of enrolling in a graduate program is that we have a new look and opportunity of using technology which gives a better learning experience for students.

Educators have a great opportunity of using technology and incorporating strategies that include:

• Gamified learning
• Digital field trips
• Integrating social media
• Gathering student feedback
• Creating digital content
• Reviewing and critiquing webpages
• Incorporating video and multimedia into instructional lessons

We have more opportunities for learning gains than we did last year, and this is because students have more access to materials online than last year. As we begin in 2022, students are going to experience new platforms; colleges, states, and students better understand using technology than they did before.

Strategies for Success as a Grad Student During COVID

Several colleges are moving to remote or virtual learning, but research indicates face-to-face instruction is beneficial for students. States and colleges are forced to make adjustments to keep students learning. For example, several states are distributing at-home COVID-19 rapid tests for staff and students.

Below are some of the strategies for success as a graduate student during COVID:

Online Programs

A majority of colleges offer fully online programs which can be the best option for some students amidst this pandemic.

Engaging Programs

Universities are offering interactive courses that are engaging for students and allow students to be independent.

Learning Supports

Colleges need to have learning support for students, and schools need to establish a committee to address learning and teaching.

Peer Tutoring

The pandemic has affected people in different ways; students need tutoring to address the learning loss.

Curriculum

Schools need to revisit, alter the course of their curriculum, and analyze what was working before the pandemic and what adjustments must be made.

Mental Health Issues

A lot of students have been affected by the pandemic. It is extremely beneficial when colleges address mental health among the students.

Deciding to go to grad school? Check out our available programs and enroll today!

The post The New Year: Going Back to School During COVID appeared first on Graduate Programs for Educators.

Why Teachers Should Consider Going Back to School

Continuing your education is important even if your school district doesn’t require it. Some of the benefits include:

Sharpen Teaching Skills

To stay relevant in education you need to be a lifelong learner. Keeping your skills fresh will help you adapt to anything that may come your way. For example, when the pandemic hit, relying on traditional teaching methods was out the door because everything went from in-person to online. The knowledge and skills of digital learning activities helped many teachers during this time.

Increased Salary

Going back to school to continue your education can mean an increase in salary or a higher starting salary in a new position. Reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, as of 2021, an advanced degree of any kind can increase your income by approximately $1,500.

Chances for a Promotion

If you invest in the time to improve your skills through graduate programs, many employers will acknowledge your hard work and effort with a promotion. Oftentimes, continuing your education qualifies you to take on more responsibilities that an employer may be looking for. So, the more education you have, the more likely you’ll stand out among other candidates.

Ability to Transition Jobs

If you feel like it’s time for a career change, returning to school to continue your education will help qualify you for this new transition. If the education field is being considered, continuing your education will give you the specific skills you need to get the job.

Determining the Right Time for You

If you’re convinced that you want to return to school to continue your education, the next step is to determine if now is the right time for you. Here are a few signs that you’re ready to take the leap:

You Can Afford It

If you are in a good financial situation, it’s probably a good time to consider investing in your career. Think about it as a return on your investment. Once you get your degree, you have the potential to make more money. While you may not see that return immediately, your degree will pay off in the long run.

You Want a Change

If you have teacher burnout or have been thinking about applying for another position but can only apply if you have the certification or skills required, you can take that as a sign that you’re ready to move forward.

You’re Able to Balance Work, School, Life

Often people drop out of college because they have a hard time balancing work, school, and general life. If you now lead a less hectic life and think that you can easily balance it all, then maybe now is the time to go back to school.

You’re More Self-Aware

An advantage of being an adult is that you’re more self-aware. For example, if you went to college when you were eighteen you may have found it hard to ask for help and probably didn’t always use the available resources at your disposal. As an adult learner, you are more mature and self-aware and can recognize when you need help.

Committing to a program is a huge decision that takes a considerable amount of time and consideration. If you feel excited about the idea of going back to school, then now might be the time to start looking into programs that will suit your needs.

How Did COVID Impact Education Graduate Programs?

The Education Advisory Board (EAB) states that the pandemic’s impact on education plans varied among students. For some, the pandemic accelerated their plans to return to school because it created opportunities for them to research and apply to graduate programs, and brought more awareness to online master’s programs, doctoral programs, etc.

For some, the stress and uncertainty of the pandemic created barriers to continuing their education. The pandemic changed and derailed their back-to-school plans entirely because of financial circumstances, responsibilities at home, or dealing with a sick loved one who had the COVID-19 virus.

For others, it offered some students a chance to reflect on their career goals and gave them a moment to decide if they wanted to change or advance in their careers.

If you are considering continuing your education, check out our 190+ master’s programs, doctoral programs, licensure programs, and more for you to take your next step!

*Updated June 2022

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Establish Routines

Teachers rely on structured routines to create consistency and balance for effective classroom management. On the first day of school the teacher sets the tone for the daily routine. After a few weeks of practice with the daily routine, students feel confident with the teacher’s expectations, which provide comfort for them to attack all academic tasks.

Prior to planning the necessary routines for students, teachers must establish routines for themselves as well. A teacher’s routines could begin before arriving to school, such as preparing lunch and even the next day’s clothes the evening before each school day. Preparedness is a good routine to begin with, provides a sense of security, and sets the tone for the rest of a teacher’s day. A successful day of teaching begins with well thought out lesson plans and all necessary materials ready for lessons to be executed. At the end of the day, teachers can establish a routine to arrange all necessary items and supplies for the next day of teaching.

Routines give teachers organization for what will be taught. A well-organized classroom and teacher gives students a sense of calm for learning. Creating a calm learning environment can decrease feelings of stress and anxiety for both students and teachers.

Make Self-Care and Wellness a Priority

The summertime for teachers is a season without demands, due dates, and expectations. It is a time to turn off alarm clocks, set personal goals, and renew the love for hobbies set aside during the school year. Summertime also gives teachers an opportunity to invest in self-care and wellness and explore what works best for them before the school year begins.

Self-care and wellness practices can include healthy eating, exercise, meditation or positive self-talk, and much needed sleep. Each of these factors needs time and self-discipline. It is important to practice and prioritize these habits before returning back to the classroom for a new school year. If a teacher prioritizes their own wellness, it will be simpler to carve out before the school day begins or after the school day ends.

The priority of daily self-care and wellness must become a habit that starts before the beginning of the school year. Once that habit has become second nature, the teacher will easily make the necessary time to continue to feel good. Healthy self-care brings peace and positivity to a teacher’s emotions, allowing the teacher to feel good with planning, teaching, and inspiring in the classroom.

Find Ways to Decompress

After a full day of managing a classroom, teaching students, and setting it all up again for the next day, decompressing is necessary. There are many different ways to decompress at the end of a school day. Here are a few ways you can try:

• Brisk walk on a greenway
• Listen to instrumental music
• Sit quietly and meditate
• Play with a pet
• Participate in a yoga class
• Read
• Create: needlepoint, embroidery, paint
• Go out to dinner with friends
• Sit outside alone on a beautiful day
• Listen to podcasts
• Go for a run or bike ride
• Go to bed early
• Exercise and stretch
• Talk to a good friend
• Watch television

An effective decompression activity must be selected by the person and completed naturally and with little effort. Decompression should not be a demand but an enjoyable activity that allows the teacher to relax.

Develop Strong Relationships with Other Educators

Many teachers have grade-level partners to plan with, discuss students’ concerns, share teaching ideas, and support one another in tough times. A teacher’s teammates can be a sounding board when expressing an anxious moment. They can offer suggestions to improve situations that may be causing unrest and celebrate each other with positive attitudes.

It is important that teachers on grade-level teams or that co-teach or even those that teach alone must find the support of another educator that can relate to the experiences of anxiety teachers develop when in the classroom.

While teaching in a remote setting, a grade-level team can share the planning and provide support for varied technology abilities with one another. The team effort and sense of camaraderie will decrease the anxiety teachers may feel during remote learning.

Teachers Deserve Grace

Teaching is a challenging profession that is not the same every day. The profession has shifted quickly recently from a traditional setting to behind a screen miles from students due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Teachers with varied degrees of technological abilities have been asked to teach just like in the classroom, work longer hours, and have larger demands placed upon them in comparison to a normal school year. Parents have used remote learning and the convenience of technology to communicate with teachers any time of the day.

The frequent and sometimes over-reaching communication between parents and teachers has caused teachers a sense of anxiety. It is important that during this difficult time, teachers are lifted up and offered grace from parents, administration, and, most importantly, themselves.

Grace is a pure sense of forgiveness that teachers must allow. The true feeling of grace can decrease a sense of anxiety for teachers. Grace puts the situation in clear perspective for a teacher, especially in a unique challenge such as remote learning. All teachers deserve grace and time to work through new challenges and expectations of teaching.

Teachers feel anxiety because the passion felt for the profession is intense. There are many coping mechanisms for teachers to use to settle the anxiety. It is important for a teacher to find the best strategy to decrease the anxiety and listen to all emotions.

*Updated October, 2020

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Here we go again – welcome back-to-school! Usually the order is administrators and office staff first, then the teachers, and ultimately the students. So, how can administrators help prepare teachers for their students’ inevitable return? For the most part, teachers are excited to return for the upcoming year, and administrators must take great care to enhance that excitement. Nothing can dampen a teacher’s excitement more than an unprepared, unenergetic administrator.

All faculty and staff must do a myriad of things to prepare for the upcoming school year. The administrator is responsible for ensuring the faculty and staff have what they need to get off to a great start. The last thing an administrator wants to do is frustrate his staff by being unprepared amidst back-to-school for teachers. As the administrator, you are the one to make sure everyone gets going in the right direction. You also set the tone, “put out fires,” and set your school’s climate and culture.

These precious professional development days will determine the direction the beginning of school heads when the students arrive on the first day. Listed below are ways we as administrators can help and support teachers in those few professional development days.

Be Available for Back-To-School

This is one of the most important traits a good administrator should always possess, but especially at the beginning of the school year. Teachers will invariably have a million questions as they prepare for that first day. This is even more important if there have been changes from the previous year. As the administrator you must be available for your teachers going back to school.

Being available doesn’t mean just being there, but literally, being there for them, including your eyes, ears, and body language. During this time, you are there primarily to support your teachers and answer their questions to help them excitedly prepare for the beginning of school.

Have Essential Information Organized and Ready for Teachers

Invariably there are changes in how we do things from year-to-year. From the outset, our teachers must be aware of any changes and have the documentation to refer to as they prepare for the new school year. Nothing is more frustrating to a teacher than to be deep into planning only to find out at the last minute that they aren’t doing it that way anymore.

The school year itself will present enough “uh oh!” to cause frustration and anxiety to your teachers. Having essential information ready for them on day one can help to reduce this at the beginning.

Have Classrooms Back-To-School Ready

One of the best ways to help a teacher get off to a great start is to have their classroom ready and equipped when they walk in on their first day. The classroom should be clean and inviting, not dusty with cobwebs hanging from the corners. All school-given resources should be in the room, ready for the teacher to begin using.

Desks, and the teacher work area should be set up with good, safe furniture and all technological resources should be up and running. Also, all lighting sources should be clean and properly working. Walls and floors should be fresh, clean, and ready for the arrival of your teacher.

Listen to Your Teachers

Your teachers are your most valuable resource for ensuring proper school climate. Additionally, your teachers are your “boots on the ground” resources in your building. Take the time to listen to your teachers’ feedback. Listening to your teachers lets you know what is working and what is not. Listening to your teachers also gives them a sense of worth and belonging in the educational process. So, as you listen to your teachers, really listen to your teachers.

Teacher Restrooms and Workrooms

The teacher restrooms like the teachers’ classrooms should be clean and inviting when teachers arrive on the first day. Nothing says unprepared like a dirty, dingy restroom. Ensure that everything is clean and fresh and that all paper products are stocked and readily available when teachers arrive.

Likewise, the teachers’ workroom likewise should be clean and orderly. Supplies for teachers should be stocked and ready for teacher use. Any new technology in the teacher workroom should have written instructions with it, or someone available for training on the new technology on the first day. Furniture in the teacher workroom should be comfortable and useable for the teachers. The teacher workroom is not the place to store old broken-down chairs, tables, filing cabinets etc. for teachers to make due with.

First Professional Development of the Year

As the administrator, you set the tone for each day and for the entire year. In the first professional development meeting of the year you will have the opportunity to set a positive tone and create a favorable climate for the year.

The first professional development meeting should be brief and cover essential topics that must be addressed at the beginning of each school year. Remember, your teachers are already preoccupied with classroom setup, lesson plans, student folders, and a myriad of other things necessary for the beginning of a new school year.

Take the time to:

• Personally welcome everyone back
• Acknowledge and celebrate any milestones your teachers have accomplished during the summer months
• Be positive in your presentation even if the subject is not very popular
• Ask teachers to come and see you individually with questions

Again, this meeting must cover what you must cover, but do your best to minimize the time spent in this meeting. Follow up meetings can be scheduled, and may not have to involve everyone in every meeting. That first staff meeting needs to be informative, positive, and concise.

Cover Current and Post-COVID Information

An important part of back-to-school 2022 is to ensure teachers that you, as the school principal, etc., are up on the latest COVID information and have implemented the latest policies and procedures to deal with the pandemic. As we are over two years into life with the COVID-19 pandemic, we are still finding the best practices related to dealing with the pandemic and working to implement these practices within our schools.

We must be very informative with our students as to what we are doing and what we expect them to do in a hopefully soon “post-COVID” world. We must also remind our teachers that we are not totally rid of the pandemic and assure them that you are on top of it. Teachers need to know that we as administrators are not just here for the safety of our students but for the faculty and staff. While this is not a popular or positive topic, you must do all you can to assure your teachers that you are constantly striving to keep them safe.

Make sure your teachers know of any new COVID protocols you are implementing and where they can put their hands on cleaning supplies and PPE as the need arises. Remind teachers that we are still all in this together and we must strive together in a spirit of cooperation.

Whether a new educator or a multi-year veteran, the first days of the school year are always exciting. As the administrator, take great care to nurture that excitement and take just as great care not to squelch that excitement.

The grind of a school year will do enough to dampen spirits by itself; you certainly don’t want to start the year off doing that yourself. Your teachers are one of your most valuable resources. Equip them, support them, and care for them. If you are well prepared and have given them the tools they need, you can step aside and “let them teach.”

*Updated August 2022

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How to Determine Your Learning Needs

If you want to sharpen your skills, you first need to know what your learning needs are. Just as you focus on meeting the diverse needs of students, you need to personalize your own adult learning. In order to pick professional development and learning opportunities that suit your needs, you’ll first need to determine what those needs are.

This can be done in a few ways. One option is to take an Individual Needs Assessment. This can help you determine where your greatest needs are in relation to classroom instruction and management. Completing an Individual Needs Assessment (Marshall, 2015) can help teachers focus on purposeful and sustained professional learning in seven areas:

1: Coherent, Connected Learning Progression

2: Strategies, Resources, and Technologies That Enhance Learning

3: Safe, Respectful, Well-Organized Learning Environment

4: Challenging, Rigorous Learning Experiences

5: Interactive, Thoughtful Learning

6: Creative, Problem-Solving Culture

7: Monitoring, Assessment, and Feedback That Guide and Inform Instruction and Learning

These seven areas are taken from a 2015 text titled The Highly Effective Teacher: 7 Classroom-Tested Practices That Foster Student Success by Jeff C. Marshall. It consists of 28 statements.  Teachers are asked to respond to the statements by choosing one of the four aspects associated with each of the statements;  1- Frequency of occurrence in the classroom, 2- confidence relative to the statement, 3- the amount of evidence to support the frequency and confidence claims, and 4- whether or not you believe that students would support your claim.  After the teacher has completed the Needs Assessment, total scores are then ranked for each indicator with 1 being the lowest score and 7 being the highest score.

The goal of the assessment is to help teachers clarify their strengths and weaknesses. When teachers honestly and accurately answer the questions found in the assessment, they can reflect candidly on their teaching practices. In addition to providing teachers with a way to self-assess, Marshall’s text also provides guidance on improving areas of weakness as made evident by the results of the needs assessment.

In addition to utilizing Needs Assessments, teachers can also reach out to administrators for advice on improving their instructional practices. Administrators are required to keep records of walkthroughs and observations. These are great tools in determining what areas of need exist in classrooms. By setting up a time to meet with an administrator or instructional coach at your school, you can request professional feedback that will help you reflect on your practice and  point you in the right direction to sharpen your skills.

What Type of Professional Development Do You Need?

Once you have determined areas of need in your professional practice, you will need to know what type of professional development to participate in. You have the ability to set and reach your own professional development goals! There are many types of professional learning opportunities available. Making the right choice for you is key.

You may choose to complete a short term professional learning experience such as a book study using a text like The Highly Effective Teacher… by Jeff C. Marshall as mentioned above. Going this route allows you to focus on your personal needs at your own pace.

Other options are available, such as workshops that introduce new topics. Most of these types of workshops are taught over a short period of time and involve hands-on activities and collaboration with other educators. This allows for questions and discussion to take place throughout a presentation of new information. With COVID-19 impacting how professional development is delivered, many districts are offering online learning opportunities for teachers and school staff. These opportunities allow teachers to gain new knowledge and improve their teaching practices from a safe distance.

For those seeking a more long-term learning experience, pursuing a graduate degree is an option. Teaching is a profession where lifelong learning is encouraged. Educators are never done learning and improving their practice. By pursuing a graduate degree, teachers can gain a great amount of professional growth. The graduate school setting allows for collaboration, an expansion of research-based practices, and an opportunity to build on the skills you already have.

How will this PD Help Sharpen Your Skills?

What will you do with your newly sharpened skills? The sky’s the limit! Your new knowledge will come in handy in your classroom as you apply your skills to your own teaching. Spreading the knowledge doesn’t have to stop there. You can take the knowledge you learn from your PD or graduate degree courses and share them with your colleagues. Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) are a great place to do this.

If you want to actively use the knowledge you gain from your professional development, it will be important for you to look for ways to use this knowledge. For example, you might ask your principal if you can present what you have learned in a staff meeting or you might start a blog post documenting the application of your skills in your personal classroom. Documenting your teaching practices is a great way to keep track of your progress and hold yourself accountable for continual improvement. When you think you have improved upon your weaknesses, you can always take an Individualized Needs Assessment again and start the learning process over!

As Alan Tuckett, a writer for the World Economic Forum, writes, “learning throughout life makes sense. Research shows it is good for your health, your wealth, your civic engagement and your family’s future prospects. It prolongs your independent life and enriches your quality of life.”

*Updated September, 2020

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