Positive and upbeat Principals create a “ripple effect” leading to positive and happy communities. The happiness of individual Principals has a far reaching affect. According to author Andy Cope, “Your happiness reaches three degrees of people removed from you, so if you’re really happy and positive, then every single person you meet during that day is going…
Becoming an ‘Employer of Choice’ School
Great staff make a huge difference to both the outcomes achieved by a school as well as the school’s culture. Attracting and retaining great staff is paramount. Super Stars – dedicated, hardworking, talented staff who have a great work ethic and a terrific attitude can afford to be fussy! They are highly sort after and…
The Early Years Are Vital
The 0 to 4 age group is paramount for brain development yet many children don’t receive the necessary support during this peak time. The significance of this period on brain development and academic success is clearly documented by Fraser Mustard. Mustard gave voice to three enduring messages: The years before 5 last a lifetime; It…
Teachers (and Principals) Matter
Teacher quality, followed by Principal quality, are the most important school-level factors influencing student achievement. The research by the American Institutes for Research (AIR) in the report “Effective Principal Effective Schools: A Synthesis of Research Evidence” is not surprising. Schools are PEOPLE places. The teacher is the key school-level factor in student success. Teacher wellness and professional…
US Schools Recognise Importance of Teacher Wellness Initiatives
The National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP) in the United States have recognised the importance of Teacher Wellness initiatives. An article by psychologist and author Adam Sáenz in the latest edition of Principal magazine highlights “Principals play a key role in this crucial—but overlooked—aspect of staff development.” “Kids can’t do their best in school if they…
Teacher Morale At 20 Year Low in U.S. – Australia Too?
The New York Times reports that teacher morale in the United States is at a 20 year low and I believe that may be the case in Australia too. Key Factors Contributing to Low Teacher Morale A number of factors are contributing to reduced levels of teacher morale. Change fatigue, increased levels of accountability, high…
Asking Students For Feedback? – Who’s Game?
One of the topics that has arisen out out of the enhancing teacher performance debate has been seeking feedback from students. Development in this area has only been very superficial to date. I love American teacher Larry Ferlazzo’s approach. He uses regular surveys of his students for his own formative development. He uses the survey…
WEBINAR – Avoiding the 7 Sins of Leading Change in Schools
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