10 Ways a Principal Can Support Teachers

As leaders of schools, principals play a vital role in the education process. The principal is responsible for the management of teachers, and for providing support in the role of coaching to improve student outcomes. Teachers who feel supported and coached, in a mutually respected environment, tend to be better educators. Here are 10 proven ways principals can support their teachers.

1. Listen to the Teachers

Teachers have a difficult job, and it's essential they feel comfortable in being transparent with talking to their administrators. They should feel confident in coming to their principal to discuss issues in the classroom, problems with students, or anything else that affects their school day. Develop your active listening skills and communicate effectively to make sure your teachers feel heard.

2. Provide the Best Resources Possible

Teachers often struggle to manage their classrooms with minimal resources. It is a common theme that teachers use their own money to ensure their class is adequately supplied with resources. If possible, give your teachers the tools and resources they need to successfully educate their students. Technology has become an integral resource for teachers, as well as an avenue for collaborative learning, which allows for teachers to learn from others and improve on their craft.

3. Offer Recognition

As with most humans, teachers thrive on recognition and a positive campus environment. When someone has done an impressive job, celebrate it! The recognition may be public or it may be a quiet comment or note to the teacher, letting them know they’ve been seen and appreciated. Simply saying thank you can go a long way to help teachers feel confident and happier.

4. Improve Collaboration

Teachers tend to be more effective when they can collaborate with others and share instructional resources, as one would do in a professional learning community. Encourage them to talk to each other and work collectively on projects, and lesson plans. Besides fostering a positive campus environment, this will also boost the quality of your student's education.

5. Monitor Teacher Burnout

With teacher shortages on the rise, principals need to look at ways to keep their educators engaged and work to create a positive environment. According to We Are Teachers, 80% of teachers claim burnout is a major issue. Creating a respectful, safe, and supportive work environment factors greatly into teachers staying in the field. Often, a mental health day or two can help ease the stress a teacher might be feeling.

6. Support Their Decisions

One of the most difficult situations for a teacher is when administrator support is lacking when dealing with parent concerns. Although teachers need to be on the “right side of the conflict,” support from the principal is very meaningful. If the teacher's actions or decisions are reasonable, the principals should support the teacher. It is desired to present a united front in conflicts with parents and to discuss possible alternatives with the teacher in private.

7. Encourage Growth

Principals who genuinely invest in the growth of staff will not only ensure teacher retention, but also build trust within the school. Providing collaborative, ongoing-feedback during the planning of lessons and the review of student assessment data will drive instruction and growth. When the principal is a part of this process, it provides a sense of collective community to meet the goals of the school.

8. Be Consistent

It's difficult to build trust with teachers if the administrator is not consistent with student discipline or in enforcing other campus norms. Teachers tend to appreciate a principal who is fair and consistent. It is also important to include staff in establishing norms for the campus and identifying campus goals. By involving staff in goal-setting for student achievement and in student learning, a mutual-respectful environment will be created to improve instruction.

9. Develop Trust

Trust is earned over a long period of time. By being consistent, ensuring teachers are involved in a collaborative environment, and by building positive relationships, trust will increase dramatically. Supportive principals should avoid micromanaging, but use learning opportunities to coach teachers up in a respectful environment.

10. Make Evaluations Meaningful

Teacher evaluations can be a stressful process for both teachers and administrators. A fair and meaningful evaluation is used to guide teacher growth to improve student outcomes, rather than a “trap.” Frequent walkthroughs with concise feedback followed by coaching establishes trust and improves teacher outcomes. The goal of an evaluation is to help teachers improve their effectiveness.

Creating a trusting, positive environment must be intentional on the part of the principal. By creating a respectful, positive, and nurturing environment, teachers will thrive and be empowered to create and deliver excellent learning opportunities for all students.

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