In these days of budget cuts, classroom overcrowding, and
compulsory high-stakes testing, teacher motivation is more and more difficult
to sustain. Many teachers decry the lack of control they have over their
classroom scheduling due to federally, state, or district-mandated programs.
Not only is their classroom time rigidly controlled, it is also often very
complex, with students being pulled out or sent in for enrichment or
ability-grouped mini classes. Sadly, the lack of effective teacher motivation
is a prime factor in experienced teachers looking for work in other fields. If
your school wants to keep its teachers happy, here are a few ideas.
Of course, one of the biggest ways to show support or to
motivate a teacher would be by paying him a salary commensurate with his worth.
With so many budgets constricted at a district level, though, there is often
little a principal or parents' group can do in this regard. What they can do is
to make things easier on the teachers. If a support staff is truly supportive,
they limit classroom interruptions, extracurricular requirements and faculty
meetings and streamline procedures so that the teachers can concentrate on
teaching.
Maintain a positive school environment for the adults as
well as the children. Celebrate together when you can, but treat everyone on
the staff as professionals in and out of school hours. Morale is crucial; since
teaching requires a great deal of "giving," a nurturing environment
will help to replenish the teachers.
If you are in a position to do so, encourage teachers to get
training to improve their skills. This applies to all walks of life of course;
people like to feel that their employers invest in them as well as in their
business.
Feedback is a vital part of teacher motivation. Everyone wants
acknowledgment that they are doing a good job, and suggestions on how they can
do even better. Thank your teachers sincerely when they have done something
well - appreciation is the greatest gift of all.