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Motivation to lead

With Back to School season around the corner, it’s time to start reflecting on classroom leadership. We have heard the phrase “Be A Leader.” It’s fairly common, actually. Most people would rather be considered a leader than a follower. In schools, it is imperative that the administrators and teachers are leaders. The creators of Lead Like A Pirate, Shelley Burgess and Beth Houf, saw that effective leadership had many facets and introduced a new system of leadership training. They want you to lead…

 

Classroom leadership like a pirate: a pirate ship on the ocean with stormy skies above

 

…like a pirate.

So what exactly does that mean? What does it mean to Lead Like A Pirate?

The purpose of being a pirate leader is to make schools amazing with engaged students and empowered educators who know they are making a difference. The goal of being a pirate leader is to create a school environment where students are knocking down the doors to get in, rather than out. 

 

Do you have what it takes to be a Pirate Leader? 

Passion – both personal and professional

A willingness to Immerse yourself in your work

Good Rapport with your staff, students, and community

The courage to Ask and Analyze what is and isn’t working

The determination to seek positive Transformation

And the kind of Enthusiasm that gets others excited about education

A man in a suit makes a thumbs up.

To learn more about what it takes to Lead LAP, follow the conversation on Twitter (#LeadLAP), visit the website or read the book.

Improve your Parent-teacher Communication copy

Effective parent-teacher communication is crucial to student success. Students who feel their parents take an interest in their studies are more likely to succeed academically. There are many strategies that teachers can use to develop strong relationships with parents:

 

Let Students Show-Off

Students love to share their school successes with their parents. Take-home folders are a perfect opportunity for them to do so. Leaving notes or stickers on assignments that are well-done is an easy and low-touch way to maintain an open and positive communication channel with parents.

 

 

Classroom News

Share a weekly update from the classroom featuring class activities, new concepts learned, and any important reminders for the next week. Students can contribute, too! The newsletter will help facilitate parent-student conversations at home. Parents will feel more involved in the day-to-day activities of the class and more supportive of you as a teacher.

 

Check out some editable newsletter templates here and here.

 

Move to Mobile

Nearly all parents have a smartphone, making digital communication the ideal strategy for teachers. With a mobile solution like iClass, parents and teachers can engage in 2-way, dynamic conversation. The platform allows teachers to send free, instant messages to parents whether a reminder, sign-up, or even an emergency situation. Parents can respond immediately and directly, without going to any third-party sites. This ensures that communication is efficacious and on-time!