Aligned School and District Administrator Support to Educators

Many classroom teachers believe they spend too much time on assessments, limiting their ability to meet the true needs of their students. Taking a teacher’s capacity and classroom context into account and setting realistic expectations and appropriate time for instruction and assessment can potentially boost the impact teachers have on their students and reduce educator burnout.

Aside from having more time to collaborate with colleagues to plan lessons, most classroom teachers agree that having pre-designed instructional plans or having instructional assistants available to plan lessons and gather materials would be extremely helpful. Additionally, classroom teachers report needing more time to analyze student data to better inform their instructional lessons.

To facilitate consistent feedback and support, classroom teachers recommend school leaders create a scheduled cycle of formal and informal observations. Many teachers also welcome school and district administrators to work directly with students in their classrooms on a regular basis. Additionally, school and district administrators can have instructional leads set up regular coaching conversations with new teachers or teachers struggling with classroom management or other instructional aspects. These additional strategies for improving educator professional learning can also foster continued development.

Challenging student behaviors can be difficult to manage without consistent follow-through on schoolwide policies. To encourage students to take ownership of their learning, classroom teachers recommend embedding recognition and rewards for positive student behavior and academic achievement in school policies.

Similarly, they recommend policies that specify clear consequences and supports for students. Consistent and timely communication between school administrators and families before issues arise can also foster conditions for student self-management.

Most classroom teachers believe they can do more for their students if they can engage and involve their students’ families. School and district administrators can foster that engagement through:

• Investing in staff to steward community partnerships and coordinate services and resources for families
• Communicating consistently with families about school-related affairs and events as well as programs, services, and resources that are available to families
• Collaborating with parents and families in strategic planning discussions about school-related matters
• Offering parent education classes and workshops