The Mid-Year Check-In

Noted author and speaker Jimmy Casas routinely discusses setting up time for one-on-one conferences with teachers.  He firmly believes that these short, focused meetings help support staff members and help build the culture your campus is working toward.  Jimmy asks the staff members specific questions and utilizes the feedback to drive decision-making on campus.  

I have embraced this approach and added my twist to it.  

Since we returned from Thanksgiving break, I have scheduled time with all of my new teachers to meet with me one-on-one and be ready to discuss any of the following questions.

What has gone well for you this semester?

What makes working at Churchill High School so special?

Who on this campus has gone above and beyond to ensure you are successful?

What support do you need from me?

(You can ask any question that you want, and I have about 30 new teachers this year) 

I have asked the teachers to be prepared to discuss any questions they want, but I will ask them who on this campus has supported them to allow them to be successful.  

You might be reading this and wondering how to schedule this into your routine.  My reply is that  I don’t believe you can afford not to schedule this time.  

The time spent with the new teachers is invaluable.  While we have many responsibilities and time commitments, carving time out of your day to give your new teachers face time with you will pay off tenfold.  And honestly, it fills my bucket.  

After the teacher shares their answers, I ask them who on campus has been instrumental to their success.  Whenever I ask this, the teacher lights up to discuss a colleague who helped them.  I note what they say and frequently learn something about what a staff member might need to learn.  

After the teacher leaves, I write a handwritten thank you note to the colleague they mentioned. Our campus must have a collegial relationship among all staff members for us to be successful.  It is one of our core values.  By acknowledging and thanking staff members for supporting each other, we continue building upon the culture we all desire.  

Lastly, giving new teachers time with the principal is essential.  We are no holier than others, but I feel it is essential to have a relationship with your “boss.”  The time spent is also vital to the onboarding process you have developed as a leadership team.  And frankly, we can’t afford to lose any of the new teachers we hired because not many behind them want to take their jobs.