[TeachNFriend]

The morale at our school is VERY low. Part of it is due to a group of critical staff members who spread negativity like wildfire, but another part is simply work overload and mental exhaustion. I’d like to suggest some changes to my P for next year but I’m not sure what makes a happier work environment. What can I suggest that would ease teacher stress next year? Personally, I think we have too many balls in the air and people feel like they can’t keep up with all the new initiatives. Not sure how to let P know she’s overloading us without her feeling attacked. We have a good relationship, and I’ve worked with her for many years so I feel like I won’t feel any backlash, but I also don’t want to hurt her feelings. All her ideas do come from a well intentioned place.

Any suggestions?

[eeza]

Personally, I think we have too many balls in the air and people feel like they can’t keep up with all the new initiatives. Not sure how to let P know she’s overloading us without her feeling attacked.

Maybe something like "There have been a lot of changes this year and the staff feel like they have't had time to dig deep into each of them. Would it be possible to narrow the focus so teachers feel proficient at one thing before moving on to the next? Maybe ____ would be a good place to start." It presents the problem and offers a solution. It also makes it sound like she can be helpful to the staff.

Tone makes a big difference, but it sounds like you are good with the principal. Best of luck!

[TeachNFriend]

I like that angle eeza. I’m writing that down . Crossed fingers it works, we could all benefit from a more narrowed focus next year. There are so many things going on this year it leaves my head spinning!

[eeza]

I do hope it goes well! Let me know what comes of the conversation with your principal.

[Ucan]

Why not simply send your P. a friendly email along the lines of your post with a few minor changes? If she's receptive to group discussion, perhaps she would consider allocating some time at your next staff meeting to begin the dialogue.

At one school I was at, the P. acknowledged the problem of teacher overload and declared a moratorium on new initiatives (lasted a year). The most common missing link is the administrator's ongoing failure to actively to "protect" the staff from mounting unnecessary busywork making such a moratorium just a temporary reprieve. Afterwards, it's usually back to more of the same, which IMO contributes to the failure of our schools. Good luck!

[TeachNFriend]

I had a great conversation with P today. Eeza, I used your suggestion about narrowing the focus so we could dig deeper and she seemed responsive to my thoughts. I hope it makes a difference for next year. Even if she doesn’t jump on any new projects or suggest more committee work I think we’d all breathe a sigh of relief

[eeza]

I know this is over a month later, but I'm glad that my suggestion helped, TeachNFriend!