morale

Home

Chat

Blogs

Collection

Directory

Home : 2001 : November : 15

morale
By Julianne

I could tell you better what doesn't work. But here are a few ideas that have made the district where I work a better place:

1. Shared Governance. This is the concept that decisions should be made as close to the classroom
as possible. Teachers, parents, administration and even students should be a part of the decision making process. They should be responsible for making choices on how money is spent, what the calendar looks like, what the dress code is, how class size reduction is carried out, and any other decisions that can reasonably be turned over to them. Core curriculum is still in the hands

of the state board and discipline, hiring and firing are still handled by the district. But Shared Governance gives teachers a real voice in what is happening at their school and therefore improves morale greatly.

2. Reasonable salaries. Teachers don't need little trinkets or awards ceremonies. They need a living wage. Knowing that you have enough money to pay your bills and that you don't have to take a second job will keep morale up.

3. Due Process. Good teachers are accused of bad stuff surprisingly often. It's the nature of the job. We tick people off! It is reassuring to know there is a set procedure for determining the validity of the claims of angry parents or students. Teachers that enjoy a contract that includes due process have higher morale because they know they won't be bothered by trivial problems, while teachers who do commit indiscretions can still be brought to task.

Well, there's my list. Nothing you can buy at the teacher store. Sorry.