Whether one of our staff members loses a friend or family member, a pet, their child is sick or must have surgery, working at school that day is oftentimes not their number one priority. Many say that coming to work when something horrific is happening in life is easier because of the distraction, which might be true – but we’re all human and we need to check in on each other. Principals must have a finger on the pulse of their staffs, student and families. Teachers must do the same for their colleagues, students and families. If your school truly invests in relationships then you are encouraged to seek support, personally and professionally and “it’s OK to be human.”  

The day to day work of being an educator is tough, and the lines between work life and home life are often blurred. Treat people the way you’d like to be treated. Set goals for yourself and your school to discuss when your staff returns in a few weeks. We need to be stubborn in creating a culture that will withstand the toughest of times. They are inevitable.

Getting along…I read sometime in the last week or so that “culture trumps innovation.” Or, as my team mates in one workplace said, “Crazy trumps _____” where you fill in the blank, which would be whatever the latest innovation was. It underscores the importance of culture building, of ensuring people do feel safe in sharing. As much as I think I know or understand, I remain a humble student.

Maybe, that’s OK for now.