Gerry Brooks joins the Innovative Schools Podcast to share practical ways educators and administrators can start the school year strong. From building relationships with colleagues and families to being a visible, supportive leader, Gerry explains how investing in people early can set the tone for the entire year.
π Key Takeaways
- Prioritize relationships during the first weeks of school.
- Make positive parent contact before problems arise.
- Remember that colleagues may be carrying challenges you can't see.
- Principals should be visible and present throughout the school.
- New leaders should listen and observe before making major changes.
- High staff turnover can be a sign of leadership problems.
- Support people publicly and address concerns privately.
π¬ Memorable Quotes
π£οΈβThis is the two weeks where I say worry about everybody else.β
π£οΈβA teacher will stay at a school without supportive parents if they have supportive administrators.β
π£οΈβSupport them publicly and criticize privately.β
π£οΈβIf you do it right, itβs the best career ever.β
π§ Strategies Youβll Learn
- How to build stronger staff relationships.
- Simple ways to create positive parent connections.
- How principals can support teachers during the first month.
- How new administrators can approach school culture and change.
- How to give feedback without damaging relationships.
β Additional Practices
- Spend 15 minutes a day making positive family contacts.
- Check in with people outside your normal circle.
- Ask families about students' interests and concerns.
- Celebrate progress beyond academics.
- Aim for more praise than criticism.
- Take time to know the people behind their job titles.
π Resources and Links
π Gerry Brooks Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gerrybrooksprin/?hl=en
π Gerry Brooks Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/GerryBrooks
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