Vicki Goggans

There was a lot of talk the last 2 years about protocols. This year… here are some protocols for students who are struggling: Like them, take an interest in them, support them, encourage them, engage their parents, be curious about their experiences.

If I have a concern about something at my kid’s school… I should: A. Post about it on social media OR B. Contact someone at the school who can actually do something about it (I’m gonna go with B!)

It’s good when central office peeps remember what it’s like to work in the school building. It’s good when school administrators remember what’s it’s like to teach in the classroom. And it’s good when teachers remember what it’s like to be a kid.

Everyone needs teammates. Kids. Adults. Everyone.

It doesn’t take much to make kids feel special. Look them in the eye. Smile at them. Talk to them individually. Be curious about THEM. Be sincere.

I’m thankful that our teachers do good work. I know we talk about teaching being a “passion” and a “calling.” I get all that. But make no mistake about it… it’s also a job. And our teachers do it well. I am grateful… as are our students and parents.

Teaching without relationships is sort of like cookies without the chocolate chips. It’s possible—it’s just not nearly as good.

You can transform your school’s culture for FREE. It doesn’t cost anything to focus on the kids. It doesn’t cost anything to collaborate. And it doesn’t cost anything to keep a positive attitude.

School administrators can’t build culture by themselves… but they can certainly set the right tone. And that tone is: 1) The administration supports the teachers. 2) The teachers collaborate to support the students. 3) We’re all gonna have fun doing it.

I hope I retire before I lose my passion for kids. Education is too important not to be all in.

If you want to evaluate a school’s culture, don’t read the mission statement on the wall; listen to the teachers talk in the hallway.

Good school culture is never a fluke. It results from educators who love their job and make decisions based on the best interests of kids!

The expression, “they don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care”, is not just about teachers and students. It applies to administrators and teachers as well.

Stuff I’ve learned as a principal... steelethoughts.com/2016/12/s…

Teachers... I know you go to work for the students… but never underestimate the impact you have on your colleagues. Your attitude and your energy can inspire the adults around you to be better than they are. So you can make a difference for kids that you don’t even teach!

Good teachers are gracious with their students. Good principals are gracious with their teachers. The world is a better place when we are all gracious with one another.