In this Post:
- New Teachers, New Custodians, New Front Office Leadership, or New Student Teachers
- Regardless of the type of new staff you are welcoming into your building this year, it is not enough just to welcome them into the building and hand them a key. They need more.
- Schedule a monthly donut stop!
- Consider a Quick Pop In!
- Every moment counts as we positively impact the future leaders of tomorrow!
The New School Year means new students, new parents, new paint, new floor wax, new markers, new crayons, and new staff! It seems inevitable that each year brings someone new to your building. This new staff member may be a 3rd grade teacher, custodian, or front office leader. And, if you are really fortunate, you may also be welcoming new student teachers to your building – filling your hallways with their excitement as they are just at the beginning of their journey changing students’ lives!
Regardless of the type of new staff you are welcoming into your building this year, it is not enough just to welcome them into the building and hand them a key. They need more.
You know what everyone enjoys? Feeling like someone is thinking of them. Click To TweetNeed is a strong word, and not one I use often. So, let me rephrase; these new staff members do not “need” more. To be honest, with the support of your already helpful and passionate staff, these new staff members will be fine. However, these newbies would greatly benefit from more. But how do you provide “more” to these new teachers, if you are already staring at a full calendar filled 7am – 4pm with staff observations, IEP meetings, and stakeholder events?
Let’s explore!
(1) Schedule a monthly donut stop!
Who doesn’t enjoy a good donut once in a while? Send a quick email to your new staff with one date a month. During this time, bring in donuts and encouraging them to stop into your office. For some of your staff, you may personalize this to be a casual, quick reminder to say hello and ask if they need anything. For others, you may host a short reflection discussion and challenge them to bring their questions!
I’d recommend a quick activity I stole from a friend earlier this year. Ask each new staff member these three questions –
What do you like so far?
What do you wish could be changed?
Whats the solution to making this change a reality?
If anything, it will facilitate conversation! Whats the secret to making this helpful for everyone? Make it light-hearted – come on, you’re eating donuts after all!
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(2) The Quick Pop In!
You know what everyone enjoys? Feeling like someone is thinking of them.
Set aside a moment (or few hours) each quarter (more often would be even better) to Pop-In to the new staff member’s work space. For some this may be a classroom, while for others this may be their office. Don’t have an agenda! Just pop your head in, say hello, and share one compliment with them.
“Wow, I love what you’ve done with this room!” or “I saw you out front helping with buses last week – great work!”
If a conversation emerges, great! If not, wish them a wonderful week and move on by.
(3) Facilitate Introductions.
On the first institute day, it is common for new staff to be introduced mixed within the 6 new initiatives and schedule changes happening within the building. Yes, this is a good practice. However, much like anything else in education, doing this once is not enough to make it stick! Find opportunities to celebrate new staff members and allow them to introduce themselves.
This may include highlighting them in a newsletter with 3 fun facts about their life or taking 5 min for an introduction during the next staff meeting. Either way, allow them to share about themselves and allow others to learn about their new colleague.
(4) Put on a Smile.
There’s a good chance you read this one and were either confused, or found yourself rolling your eyes. I know, district leaders have a LOT going on, and your staff knows only about 25% of the stress you take on ever day. I can only imagine how challenging it must be to quickly transition from a difficult parent phone call to a staff meeting to a teacher observation and end with a staff baby shower… that’s a full schedule!
However, no matter how tired you are, a smile on a leaders face can go a LONG way for a new staff member.
Does it seem disingenuous some times? Sure. But just as teachers put on a happy face for their students each day no matter the morning they had or tough meeting they just endured, it goes a long way to do the same.
A new school year is full of new friends, new families, and new celebrations. Continue to make your staff feel at home as you begin this school year off on the right foot. Every moment counts as we positively impact the future leaders of tomorrow!
About Rae Hughart
Rae Hughart is a Middle-Level Math and Writing Educator in Illinois and the Director of Training and Development for the Teach Better Team. In 2017, Rae was honored with the Illinois State University Outstanding Young Alumni Award – inducting her into the University Hall of Fame. In 2018, Rae was honored again by the Henry Ford Innovator Award for her work within educators communities to build unity between local businesses and schools.
