Pygmalion Effect

Studies have shown the significance of a positive learning environment and its impact on student achievement (Ali & Siddiqui, 2016). When students’ needs are met, and they are prepared to learn, they can learn at high levels. Building positive relationships with students is an effective strategy (Ashley, 2016). Students will rise to the expectation when relationships are fostered with the adults and staff based on trust and mutual respect (Balkar, 2015). 

This was clearly displayed in the Rosenthal and Jacobson study (1968), in which teachers expected better performance from the students and enhanced student performance. This effect was then titled the Rosenthal effect and soon became known as the Pygmalion Effect, after a Greek sculptor fell in love with his masterpiece and willed it to life (Salkind, 2010). Though the phenomenon that higher expectations lead to increased performance has shown a positive correlation in subsequent studies (Howard, Li-Ping, & Austin, 2015), it has been difficult to replicate the original Rosenthal-Jacobson study. The reasoning is that once higher expectations are employed by the teachers, the subjects are changed to a degree that cannot be accounted for in the study (Rubovits & Maehr, 1971). In conjunction with the principles of social learning theory and other theoretical frameworks, the school culture of high expectation could have a significant impact through the premises of the Pygmalion effect phenomenon. 

I have experienced the power of belief in the classroom and in extracurricular sports as a coach. The will to win can be much greater that the desire not to lose. As a football fan, I saw this played out in person at the 1981 NFC Championship game. The game was played between the premier team of the NFC since 1970 and game favorite Dallas Cowboys against the San Francisco 49ers. The 49ers were never supposed to win, but that is why the games are played. 

The game is lauded in history as one of the greatest because of the excitement behind ‘The Catch’ that receiver Dwight Clark made in the back of the end zone. Amid a massive rush by the Dallas Cowboys defensive front, 49ers quarterback Joe Montana scrambled for time to throw. As he rolled out to his right, he found Dwight Clark in the back of the end zone and threw the ball high. His thinking was to throw it so only one guy could catch it. Dwight Clark jumped and pulled the ball down landing in the endzone. The touchdown gave the 49ers a 28-27 lead with 51 seconds remaining on the game clock. Though the game was not over, the defense could hold the Cowboys and run out the clock. 

Throughout the years the legends and myths of the game have grown. One in particular credits the Dallas Cowboys owner as saying, “The 49ers played to win, the Cowboys played to not lose. That was the difference.” Whether he said it or not, the outcome remained. The 49ers believed they could do it, and they did. 

History tells us ‘The Catch’ symbolized the end of the Cowboys' domination and the beginning of the 49ers' rise as an NFL dynasty in the 1980s. After years of playing poorly and being one of the NFL’s worst teams, the 49ers has arrived. The head coach, Bill Walsh, not only found some overlooked players in the NFL draft, but he instilled in his players a belief that they could win. He built a culture that has become a model for other organizations, based on a belief in success. 

Until next time...

Defining Teacher Burnout

Now that Spring Break is over, teachers are looking forward to the end of the school year. This is the time when burnout seems to lurk in the shadows and pouch when you least expect it. Burnout is real because teaching is difficult. It is a position where passion and purpose converge which takes a ton of energy.

At its core, teacher burnout is not a fleeting bout of stress or weariness but an intricate and chronic state of physical, emotional, and mental exhaustion. It transcends the commonplace challenges encountered in the noble profession of teaching and permeates the very essence of an educator's being. The defining features of burnout are as nuanced as the profession itself, encompassing an amalgamation of factors that converge to create a perfect storm.

Excessive workload stands as one pillar of this all-encompassing exhaustion, where teachers find themselves drowning in an ever-rising tide of lesson planning, grading, and administrative tasks. The weight of these responsibilities, coupled with the relentless pace of the academic calendar, forms a breeding ground for burnout, gradually eroding the initial enthusiasm that drew educators to their vocation.

Administrative challenges and a lack of support constitute another facet of burnout's definition. When educators navigate the educational landscape without the scaffolding of supportive leadership or adequate resources, they find themselves adrift in turbulent waters. The absence of a safety net amplifies the stressors inherent in teaching, leaving educators to grapple with the complexities of the profession in isolation.

Classroom management issues and the emotional toll of meeting the diverse needs of students further contribute to the definition of teacher burnout. The constant juggling act, attempting to address the unique challenges each student presents, can be emotionally draining, leading to a gradual depletion of the emotional reserves that sustain a teacher's connection with their craft.

In my soon-to-be-released book titled "Impact Teaching," the definition of teacher burnout extends beyond the symptoms to encompass the systemic issues ingrained in the educational culture. It is not merely a personal struggle but a collective challenge that requires a holistic approach to resolution. The book navigates this definition with empathy, shedding light on the multifaceted nature of burnout, and provides many strategies to help push through the limitations burnout can create.  

Understanding teacher burnout is not about assigning blame or questioning dedication. It is simply about acknowledging the very real challenges that educators face daily. Then giving the teacher permission to feel the way they do. It's okay to not be okay. We have all been there. Breathe, take time for yourself, and remember your 'why'. That is the best grounding practice I know. 

By defining burnout, and providing strategies to combat it, we pave the way for teachers to navigate the abyss of exhaustion, rediscover their passion, and ultimately transform their classrooms into vibrant hubs of inspiration. Through this exploration, "Impact Teaching: Burnout to Brilliance" seeks to redefine the narrative surrounding teacher burnout, fostering a culture that prioritizes the well-being of educators and, in turn, enhances the quality of education that is delivered. Stay tuned.

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Leader is the Ship’s Rudder

A school can be compared to a large ocean liner in several ways, especially when considering the school leader as the main rudder of the ship. Here are some points of comparison:

Size and Complexity: Both a school and a large ocean liner are substantial in size and have complex systems that require efficient management. Just as an ocean liner accommodates a vast number of passengers, a school caters to a large student body, faculty, and staff, with various departments and operations.

Direction and Guidance: The school leader, like the main rudder of an ocean liner, plays a crucial role in determining the school's direction and providing guidance. They are responsible for setting the vision, mission, and goals of the institution, and their decisions and leadership style significantly impact the school's overall trajectory.

Steering and Course Correction: Just as the rudder steers the ocean liner, the school leader directs the school's course. They make strategic decisions, set policies, and implement educational programs to ensure that the school moves towards its intended destination. Additionally, they must make timely course corrections, addressing challenges and adapting to changes in the educational landscape.

Stability and Control: The main rudder of an ocean liner ensures stability and control, helping the ship maintain a steady course even in turbulent waters. Similarly, a school leader provides stability and control in the educational environment. They establish discipline, enforce rules and regulations, and create a positive school culture, fostering an atmosphere conducive to learning and growth.

Collaboration and Teamwork: Both an ocean liner and a school require effective teamwork to operate smoothly. The school leader collaborates with faculty, staff, parents, and the wider community to create a harmonious and supportive learning environment, much like the crew members on an ocean liner working together to ensure a safe and enjoyable voyage.

Safety and Well-being: Safety is paramount on an ocean liner, and the ship's crew takes necessary precautions to protect passengers. In a school, the leader is responsible for the safety and well-being of students, implementing security measures, maintaining a nurturing environment, and addressing any concerns that may arise.

While the comparison highlights similarities between a school and a large ocean liner, it's important to note that there are also distinct differences, such as the educational nature of a school and the unique challenges it faces in fostering academic development and nurturing young minds.

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Having One Voice

Having a unified voice within the school administrative team is crucial for effective communication and decision-making. When the administrative team speaks with one voice, it ensures consistency in messaging and policies throughout the school. This consistency helps create a cohesive and stable environment for students, parents, and staff. It eliminates confusion and provides clarity on expectations, rules, and procedures.

I learned this simply fact when I was a coach. It was important to have one voice coaching a position that aligned with the greater team. If multiple voices are heard, the student could not pick the correct voice and ultimate was confused leading to poor outcomes. For an administrative team, the situation is the same. If there are multiple voices that are not aligned, then those listening will have mixed messages. 

A unified voice allows the administrative team to communicate effectively with various stakeholders, including teachers, parents, students, and community members. When everyone in the team conveys the same message, it reduces the chances of misinterpretation or conflicting information. This promotes transparency and trust within the school community.

The administrative team often needs to make important decisions that affect the school community. When the team has one voice, it facilitates efficient decision-making processes. It ensures that decisions are well-coordinated, based on shared values and goals, and represent the collective perspectives of the team. This helps prevent divisions or conflicts within the team and promotes a sense of unity.

A unified voice presents a strong and professional image of the school. It demonstrates that the administrative team is working together as a cohesive unit and is committed to the overall success of the school. This unity positively impacts the reputation of the school, both internally and externally.

The administrative team serves as leaders in the school community. By speaking with one voice, they provide clear direction and guidance to teachers, staff, and students. It establishes a sense of authority, credibility, and trust in their leadership. This unified voice also helps align the entire school community towards common objectives and promotes a shared vision.

However, it is important to note that having one voice does not mean suppressing individual opinions or discouraging healthy discussions within the administrative team. It means that once decisions are made, the team presents a united front to ensure effective implementation and communication.

Until next time...

 

The Impact of Hope

Hope is a potent force in education. Administrators must instill hope not only in their staff but also in students and parents. This non-negotiable agreement emphasizes the importance of fostering a positive and optimistic atmosphere, where everyone believes in the potential for growth, improvement, and success.

It can be inspired or it can be taken. It can be protected as a commodity yet cannot be held in your hand. It is a feeling or state of mind that is based upon more positive outcomes than the negative. Most everyone knows what hope is however when asked to define it, they have difficulty. Nothing can have a greater impact than the loss of hope or the actual absence of hope. 

Though this is the case, it remains that hope is not a strategy. We cannot merely sit around and wait for positive outcomes. We cannot, as professionals, actively pursue negative behavior and suggest that we hope it will improve. Hope is not a strategy. 

Active planning is the answer. We must put into place a plan of action that is focused on the goals and objectives we want to achieve. Once we plan our work and begin working our plan, we can hope.

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The Difference Between ‘Caring’ and ‘Being Liked’

While building positive relationships with staff and students is paramount, administrators must understand the crucial distinction between 'caring' and 'being liked.' True leadership involves making tough decisions for the benefit of the entire school community, even if those decisions are not always popular. A caring leader prioritizes the long-term well-being of the institution over immediate popularity.

That being understood, everyone likes being liked. It is human nature. In the context of a school administrator, the idea that there is a difference between "caring" and "being liked" is an important concept to understand. While it may be natural for individuals in positions of authority to desire being liked by the people they interact with, it is equally crucial for them to prioritize caring for the well-being and development of the students and the school community as a whole.

Caring, in the context of a school administrator, entails a deep sense of concern and empathy for the students, their families, and the staff members. It involves understanding their needs, challenges, and aspirations, and actively working towards creating an environment that supports their growth and success. This could include implementing policies and practices that foster inclusivity, providing resources and support systems, and promoting a positive and nurturing school culture.

However, caring does not always guarantee being liked by everyone. As an administrator, you may be required to make difficult decisions or enforce rules and policies that are necessary for the well-being and educational progress of the students. These decisions might not always be popular, and there may be instances where individuals may disagree or be unhappy with the measures taken. It is at these times that the administrator must prioritize the long-term best interests of the students and the school community over seeking personal popularity or approval.

Being liked, on the other hand, is more focused on personal acceptance and popularity. While it is not inherently wrong to be liked, it should not be the primary goal of a school administrator. Seeking popularity above all else can sometimes lead to compromising on important decisions or avoiding necessary actions that might be met with resistance. It is crucial for administrators to maintain a professional distance and make decisions based on what is fair, just, and conducive to the overall growth and development of the school.

Ultimately, the difference between caring and being liked lies in the administrator's ability to make tough decisions, enforce policies, and prioritize the well-being of the students and the school community. Striking a balance between being compassionate and making difficult choices can be challenging, but it is essential for effective school leadership. By prioritizing the needs of the students and the long-term goals of the institution, administrators can create a positive impact and build a supportive and thriving learning environment.

Until next time...

Smile

A smile is a powerful tool that can make a significant impact on the overall environment of a school. It may seem like a small gesture, but it can go a long way in creating a positive and inclusive atmosphere. Notably, it is important to remember that you do not own all the problems in the world.

We all know that a smile is contagious. It is second only to a yawn. When someone smiles at us, it triggers an automatic response in our brains, causing us to smile back. This simple act of reciprocation can help to break down barriers and foster a sense of connection between individuals. In a school setting, this can be especially important as it can help to create a sense of community and belonging. When students feel like they are part of a supportive and friendly community, they are more likely to be engaged and motivated to learn.

Just thinking about the health benefits, a smile can help to reduce stress and anxiety. Schools can be stressful environments, with students often feeling pressure to perform academically and socially. A smile can help to ease some of this tension by providing a moment of levity and comfort. It can also help to diffuse conflicts and de-escalate tense situations. When teachers and staff members model this behavior, it can encourage students to adopt a more positive outlook and approach to handling stress and anxiety.

A smile can help to build positive relationships between students, teachers, and staff members. When we smile at someone, it sends a message that we are approachable and open to communication. This can be especially important in a school setting, where students may be hesitant to reach out for help or guidance. When teachers and staff members greet students with a smile, it can help to establish a positive rapport and encourage students to seek out support and guidance when needed. Along the same lines, the simple act of a smile can help to create a positive learning environment. When students feel comfortable and engaged, they are more likely to participate in class and absorb new information. A smile can help to create a sense of warmth and positivity that can make learning more enjoyable and less stressful. This can lead to increased academic achievement and a more positive attitude towards education.

When visitors enter the school, it is welcoming when they are met with a smile. It helps to create a more welcoming and inclusive school environment. Schools are diverse places, with students from a wide range of cultural and socio-economic backgrounds. A smile can help to bridge some of these differences by signaling that everyone is welcome and valued. It can also help to break down stereotypes and promote a sense of understanding and acceptance. When students feel accepted and included, they are more likely to feel comfortable expressing themselves and participating in school activities. The ripple effect of a smile can extends beyond the school environment. When students see their teachers and staff members smiling and interacting positively with one another, it can serve as a model for how to behave in other areas of their lives. This can help to promote empathy, kindness, and positive social behaviors that can benefit students throughout their lives.

A smile may seem like a small gesture, but it can have a significant impact on the overall atmosphere of a school. By fostering a sense of community, reducing stress and anxiety, building positive relationships, promoting inclusivity, creating a positive learning environment, and serving as a model for positive social behaviors, a smile can contribute to a better learning experience for students. Teachers and staff members should make a conscious effort to smile and model positive social behaviors, while also encouraging students to do the same. By doing so, we can help to create a more positive, supportive, and inclusive school environment that benefits everyone.

Until next time...