The Three R’s: Refocus, Recharge, Reconnect! – GAESP/GAMSP

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           On November 8-10th, I had the privilege to attend the Georgia Association of Elementary School Principals 2015 Fall Conference at the Marriott Riverfront in Savannah, Georgia. This year’s theme was The Three R’s: Refocus, Recharge, Reconnect. There were so many great keynote speakers: Richard Hight, Patrick Grady, and Deborah Tyler just to name a few.

            In one of the breakout sessions, I was fortunate to attend Andria Bunner’s “Praise, Praise, Praise, With a Word or Phrase! This session was awesome! It fits so well with the Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports initiative that my school will officially implement in January.
Mrs. Bunner used the book, If You Don’t Feed the Teachers They Eat the Students! by Neila Connors as a framework for her presentation. She mentioned how this book contains words of wisdom and inspiration to both administrators and teachers alike.

            I would like to share a few praises from a list derived from Andria Bunner and Alison Jackson that administrators should try using with their teachers. Praises can go a long way! Please feel free to share any you may have.


·         You are marvelous and we’re mighty glad you are on our team! (M&Ms)

·         Thank you for engaging in active learning!

·         When the “chips” are down, we know we could count on you! (Bag of chips)

·         Here’s the scoop – we think you are amazing! (Scoop of ice cream and Coke)

·         Just as you warm the heart of our students, we want to warm your day! The chocolate’s on us… (Hot chocolate and whip cream)

·         We are “nuts” about your performance! Keep up the excellent work! (Bag of nuts)

·         You are groovy and out of this world! (Free jeans pass!)

 

Comments

  1. HollyEliseNovember 21, 2015 at 6:19 AM

    I love this! Building staff morale through various means is important. We often get lost in the shuffle of lesson plans, assessment, discipline, best practices and classroom management. We must recognize everyone in the building and let them know that they are noticed and appreciated. I begin a new tradition at work this year by hosting the first ever paraprofessional luncheon during Kindness Week. The paraprofessionals were thankful and heartfelt in their kind words because of their recognition. It takes every single person in a school to make it successful, and as a leader, we must remember this and recognize everyone.

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  2. UnknownDecember 5, 2015 at 4:58 AM

    Great post! I think praise and positive feedback are SO important. The book sounds interesting...teachers do love being fed and wearing jeans. A possible sequel, "If You Don't Feed the Students, They Eat Each Other." I just automatically thought of this because this is the first year our school has banned outside treats and food (i.e. birthdays, holiday celebrations, etc.) and teachers using food or candy as incentives. At first, we were all in a panic about it, but halfway through the year now, I think it was a fantastic decision. The students don't expect that external reward now, and we're noticing more intrinsic drive. Pretty interesting!

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