How Are YOU Doing?

Hi.

Welcome to The EDU Files, bringing education insights, stories, and vibes to your inbox every Tuesday.

We had family in town this weekend, along with some other social events. It was a busy weekend, as it seems like when you blink - it’s over. I would love a do-over to get a bit more rest and relaxation. You?

Deep Dive 🤿

No, For Real… How Are YOU Doing?

It’s an important question. If no one has asked you before, I am asking now: How are you doing?

Why Leaders?

Let me start by talking about educational leaders.

Let’s be honest. The job of an educational leader is a pretty lonely one. As a school principal, I did not hear that question often. So I want to ask you… how are you doing?

You must take care of your needs to support the needs of others. It’s just that simple. I want to share some questions to consider to ensure you take care of yourself as a school leader.

What do you need?

What do you need to do for your work? Have you communicated these needs to the people who directly support you? It is okay to ask for the specific support that you need. We often assume that people know what you need - I assure you they don’t unless you articulate it.

What questions do you have?

Have you asked the questions that you have? I am talking about the ones that keep you up at night. What is stressing you out, and what questions must you answer to move your school forward? I have often found that unanswered questions hinder getting the support needed to impact our work.

Why Teachers?

Teachers need to be asked this question, too. As a school leader, you must ask your people: How are you doing?

School has been in session for almost a month. I have heard from leaders and teachers alike about struggles already faced in our schools. Sometimes, we are in a go-go-go state of mind. We do not take a breath and pause.

This is especially true for our new teachers. Many new teachers leave our profession simply because no one asks, "How are you doing?”

I recently heard a story about how new middle school teachers were overwhelmed in just the first two weeks of school. The pressures of curriculum maps, pacing guides, and daily lesson planning were incredibly burdensome. That is all in addition to the challenges of being a new teacher.

These teachers needed someone to ask: How are you doing?

Instead of checking in, they were piled upon. This leads to many teachers leaving our profession. Asking a simple question can be the first step in helping meet your teachers' needs.

Try it this week… ask yourself the questions I outline here. Then go and ask your teachers how they are doing. You go this.

Track of the Week 💿

Turn on, tune in, and check out…

Click the iPod to check out the track I have on repeat this week. Check out The EDU Files playlist for tunes to keep you rockin’ throughout the week.

Surfing the Web 🌊

Here is my favorite EDU content from the web this week.

• Leaders Must Address Teacher Well-Being w. Action by Paige Tutt

• The 7 Big Mistakes I Made My First Year Teaching by Kelly Treleaven

• Advice for New Teachers From a Teacher of the Year by Rebecka Peterson

Be sure to check these out…

Feedback 💭

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Thanks for spreading the word, and keep up the good fight. The work you do matters.

See ya next Tuesday! 🍏

PS: If you are interested in supporting your school or district with any of the content or strategies in The EDU Files, click here to drop me a note or to talk more.