When things are tough in a school or in a Teacher’s classroom, support is the mechanism that leaps to mind as being the most appropriate. That support can take many forms including mentoring, coaching, release of disruptive students, peer observation, professional learning and online courses.
Of course, sometimes all we need is a chat with a trusted colleague who knows their stuff within the walls of the classroom.
That chat can mean so much – but it isn’t happening enough. A study by Stamford University across a number of schools in western countries found that Principals are spending around 0.44% of their available time discussing students with Teachers. This represents 1/16th of the time they spend on records and reports and a shocking 1/63rd of the time they spend on their administrative duties.
This certainly points to a failure in the great “instructional leader” age and implies that Principals need to lift their game … or at least prioritise better.
Yet, that summary ignores some other research about what’s going on for Prins. Are we ok that Australian Principals:
- have stress symptoms at a rate of 1.7 times higher than the general population?
- have burnoout rates 1.6 times above the norm?
- experience workplace demands 1.5 times above the average?
- at rates around 10%, report a poor life quality and have had recent thoughts of self-harm?
I’m not.
While some systemic shift is critical, a small part of the solution to this hefty problem comes from within our schools. We need to thank, to acknowledge and to support our Prins for what they do ourselves. It’s not everything, but it’s a start.
It sound silly, but have you hugged your Principal lately?!
Free WEBINAR – Switch Off!
I’m delighted to announce that we have a Guest Presenter for our April Webinar – Angela Lockwood. How can I put this? … Ange is awesome!
Drawing upon a long career working with children, individuals, schools and organisations, Angela knows how to integrate the skills of slowing down into the fast-paced and pressured lives of educators.
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- Recognise when it’s time to switch off and how to take immediate action.
- Understand your behaviours and triggers to prevent a melt-down.
- Build habits that help you flick the switch between focus, productivity and rest so you can have the energy to take you through the year.
Whether you’re needing time to contemplate big decisions, feeling burnt out in need of a holiday, or just needing some time to clear space in your life, this webinar will introduce you to a practical framework to help you slow down and take control.
This Real Schools Webinar is aimed at Teachers, School Leaders and Administrators of all phases of learning.