Teacher morale is not tricky.

Teacher morale is not tricky.

Involve them.

Support them.

Recognize them.

Value them.

You may have heard it said, “We’re here for the kids, not the teachers.” You may have even said it.

And it’s true. We are here for the kids. Students are the reason schools exist, and every decision we make should ultimately be driven by what is best for them.

But don’t make the mistake of thinking that student needs and teacher needs are mutually exclusive.

They are inextricably linked.

When teachers feel valued, trusted, and supported, they are better positioned to do their best work for kids.

Here’s the good news: Raising teacher morale is not that complicated.

But it usually doesn’t happen by accident. Leaders have to be intentional about it.

Here are five ways you can raise the morale of your teachers:

1. Keep your teachers focused on the difference they are making for kids.

Teaching is hard work, and it’s easy to get buried beneath the meetings, emails, paperwork, behavior issues, and never-ending to-do lists. Remind your teachers that their work matters. Help them see the impact they are making.

2. Involve your teachers in the decisions of the school.

People are more invested in decisions when they have had a voice in making them. You can’t involve everyone in every decision, but look for opportunities to ask, listen, and involve.

3. Trust the judgment of your teachers.

Hire good people, give them clear expectations, and then trust them to do their jobs. Few things are more demoralizing than feeling micromanaged by a leader who doesn’t trust you.

4. Give your teachers the benefit of the doubt.

When something goes wrong, start with curiosity rather than accusation. Assume positive intentions. Ask questions before jumping to conclusions. Extend the same grace to your teachers that you hope they extend to their students.

5. Notice the little things your teachers do… and recognize them for it.

Not every act of great teaching results in a test score, an award, or a public celebration. Sometimes it’s the teacher who stays five minutes after class with a struggling student. Or the one who quietly checks on a colleague. Or the one who makes a phone call home to share some good news.

Notice those things.

And let your teachers know you noticed.

Teacher morale isn’t built through an occasional catered lunch, a jeans day, or a motivational slogan.

It is built day after day through the way people are involved, supported, trusted, and valued.

And when we take care of the people who take care of our students, our students are the ones who ultimately benefit.

Cheers!

Danny