President's Perspective

Spring Into Success

Stacy DeFoor, AAEA Board President

How will you “Spring into Success?” The spring semester offers us a vast opportunity to ensure student learning and engagement continues as we prepare for end of the year assessments, grade level transitions, and students who may be more excited about graduation than studying to perform their best! As school leaders it is important for us to model what we expect from our teachers during a time when some teachers may feel overwhelmed or experiencing burn out. As you lead your building or district, determine how you can make a positive impact each day.

• Maintain high levels of student engagement

◦ Incorporate project-based learning that supports your HQIM curriculum

◦ Use technology creatively, not as a time filler

◦ Implement peer-to-peer learning where students can learn from each other and strengthen their sense of ownership

◦ Make real world connections based upon student interest, background, or career aspirations

• Promote positive school culture

◦ Celebrate accomplishments regularly with both faculty and students

◦ Provide shout-outs or recognize your faculty or students on social media to increase the desire to perform at high levels

◦ Create safe spaces for students and staff to support mental health and well-being

• Decrease teacher burnout

◦ Continue to provide job-embedded professional development or support, especially if you’ve recently adopted a new curriculum or initiative

◦ Encourage work-life balance and check in with staff to offer support or uplifting words if needed

◦ Empower teacher leadership in decision making and supporting the success of your school

◦ Minimize administrative tasks or streamline systems and unnecessary paperwork so that teachers can focus on teaching and learning

◦ Foster a collaborative environment so that teachers can share “wins” with their colleagues

• Engage in reflective practices

◦ The spring semester is a great time to engage in reflective practices with fellow administrators and teachers. Take time to assess the progress of the current year and obtain feedback from stakeholders.

◦ What are some immediate practices that could be enhanced to finish strong and determine some potential goals for the following year?

I hope some of the topics provided can help you address current opportunities to keep the momentum going in a positive direction during the spring semester. With the legislative session underway, I would encourage you to keep up with current bills that are being proposed and look for updates that AAEA provides throughout the week.