Nathan was recently interviewed by the League of Women Voters Minneapolis. For those in Minneapolis, maybe you've seen it. For those of you outside of Minnesota, here is the 25 minute interview:
#TBT: Burnout: It Doesn't "Happen" to You
Hear Nathan Discuss Teacher Job Satisfaction on Minnesota Public Radio
Nathan joined MPR host Tom Weber this morning for a vibrant discussion on the state of teaching and leading in schools. Enjoy this 30 minute broadcast here:
The Dark Side of Empowering Your Employees
Speaking engagement and a drink...?
#TBT: Saying Aloud the Good Things We Think About Others
This week's post is another #TBT to a Nathan Eklund post from February 2012 about how we as colleagues treat each other. At this time of the year, as some staff look ahead to spring break, but it still seems far away, it is time to remember that Great Places to Work are supportive, collegial workplaces.
From the Field #2: From "Gotcha" to "Got Your Back": Lessening the Competition and Stress of Teacher Evaluations
When discussing staff culture with educators, I am hearing about a more competitive feel to adult relationships in schools. The current state of education has many educators worried about their jobs much more than with the evaluation systems that were prevalent in the past. Declining student numbers, new and confusing evaluation criteria, and heightened community expectations can all develop competition between staff members.
You Get What You Get and You Don't Get Upset: Planning to Enhance the School/Community Relationship
From the Field #1: Re-inventing "Share and Celebrate"
For almost all staff meetings I attend, they typically begin with a 5 minute standing agenda item along the lines of "Share and Celebrate." The leader gets up and asks, "So. Does anyone have anything to share?"
Then there's usually a few moments of somewhat awkward silence. Someone does eventually chime in with some family news or success from the day. And people are genuinely happy to hear the good news. But often the moment seems fleeting or superficial.
So I'm wondering - do you have a way of starting your staff meetings that's engaging, thoughtful, and sincere? What do you do?
Please share your practices in the comments section here. And share this with others so we can get more ideas. Let's build a menu of good ideas!