Teacher Morale Boosters

These suggestions were written to the each school board member and top central administrator in my district in 1992. There are many free or inexpensive ways to improve teacher morale. This is especially important when finances are tight. Although a little time is required, not addressing the issue of morale also ends up taking time and can result in difficult negotiations, low trust levels, etc.

It is not necessary to do all of these things, of course. Teachers realize that administrators are hard-pressed for time, but even a single note in a teacher's career could make a big difference in his/her morale. Many of the notes suggested could be form letters and could be handled by clerical staff with just the need for an administrator's signature.

1. Every week or two, call a principal and ask if there is a teacher or other staff member who has done something special "above and beyond." Get some details about it. Then write a short, specific thank you note, expressing appreciation for the person's commitment to excellence and gratitude for their being a part of the team. Send it in school mail. This is a private, individual acknowledgement so there is no need to send one to every teacher.
2. When teachers are criticized in the media, write a rebuttal. Not saying anything seems like agreement.
3. Curriculum specialists could send out certificates at the end of the year to teachers they've noticed really putting forth effort in their area. For example, "This is to recognize _____ for outstanding teaching in the area of _____ during the _____ school year." Giving these awards a name could give teachers something to list on a resume if ever needed. Don't give away too many of these or they won't be special.
4. Arrange for a "Teacher of the Week" spot in the city newspaper. "The district would like to recognize and commend _____ for his/her commitment to kids and quality education." List a few special projects or areas of strength of the teacher, compliments kids have written, comments from parents or other teachers. Print a photo of the teacher and his/her students.
5. When seniors are nearing graduation, encourage their English teachers to have them write to an elementary, junior high and senior high teacher from whom they learned the most. Consider sending some of these letters to the newspaper. Deliver them all to the teachers if possible, through school mail if they're still in the district. Perhaps include an invitation to come to graduation.
6. If teachers must be moved during the first weeks of school because of enrollments, a top administrator could send each a letter apologizing for the extra work and trouble. Teachers understand that difficult decisions have to be made sometimes but setting up a classroom twice is a great deal of trouble and those teachers put in a lot of unpaid time. It would make a big difference to be told that this effort is appreciated, and that the displaced teachers are considered a valued member of the district "team." A small gift to accompany this letter, perhaps reward stickers for the kids, would make the transition a lot less burdensome. If someone volunteers to move, say a special thanks for that.
7. "We Want to Know". Print up an attractive form for teachers to fill out and send to the Administration Building at the end of the year if they wish. Have them write one to five good things that happened in their classrooms during the year. These could be funny anecdotes or other classroom stories. Some of these could possibly be published or posted in the Ad. Building. Or they could just be sent back with a "thank you" sticker affixed. For teachers who go to the extra trouble to write and send in these success stories, have a drawing and perhaps offer a prize donated by a local business.
8. Write a little note to any employee who's been written up in the paper for anything, especially if it brings positive press to the district.
9. Pay special attention to new teachers. Have a welcome tea after school early in the year. At the end of the first year, send a little note acknowledging them for their contributions and reaffirming that you're glad to have them "on the team."
10. Program a little positive note into the computer to be printed on paycheck stubs. Checks for the census workers have these and it results in good feelings. Something like, "Welcome back to school. We wish you a great year and thans for the work you've done to get this year off to a great start!"
11. Acknowledge teachers who have perfect attendance in any semester or year. Say with all the "bugs" floating around in schools, it's noteworthy not to miss even one day! Wish the teacher continued good health.
12. Send a signed card to teachers who get married, have a baby, experience a death in the family or a serious emergency. A little P.S. could say, "Thank you for all you do for kids and for the district."
13. Send a note to teachers who give presentations at conventions, teach classes, or earn a degree. Commend them on their commitment to professional growth.
14. Thank any teacher who writes a letter to the editor saying something positive about the district.
15. Host a banquet for retiring teachers. When teachers resign or go on leave, send a little thank you for what they've done to contribute to the district. Wish them well and say you're sad to see them go (if it's true).
16. If a teacher or administrator is involved in a crisis with parents that ends up being referred to you, write to them afterwards. Acknowledge the difficulty of the situation and say that you appreciate them hanging in there and resolving it. Validate their commitment to teaching.

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