The Christian EducatorA publication of North Valley Baptist Schools

An Upbeat Attitude from the Administrator

By Barbie Smith

As administrators, we are always looking for ways to improve the way we teach and run our schools. We go to seminars, read books, talk to other teachers, and search the internet for ideas and tips for improving our classrooms and facilities. As the school year begins, there is an excitement that fills the classroom. Anticipation that this will be the best school year ever is in the hearts and minds of the administration, the staff, the parents, and hopefully the students. As we come back in from Christmas vacation, is that same excitement still there? After all, we are almost half-way through the year, and are beginning to look forward to graduation.

But wait a minute. What about the staff? Who encourages them to stay excited and on track? Does the administrator even notice the needs that they have? Sure, they are employees, but they are also fellow laborers for Christ. Have you ever seen the sign: "If mamma ain't happy, ain't nobody happy"? Unhappy teachers make for unhappy students, which in turn make for unhappy parents. We as administrators cannot meet every need that arises, but there are ways to show the staff our care and appreciation on a regular basis or periodically, as the budget allows. It does not matter the size of your school. I know firsthand that this works because we use it in our school -- we call it 'Happy Monday'. Each Monday of the school year, I have a small gift for the teachers. What? A gift? Every Monday?! Yes, a gift every Monday! It is usually something small and inexpensive, but the gleam in their eyes says it all -- someone has taken notice of them and has taken the time to get a little something that says "Thank you!" This week, it was white board cleaner; last week, it was hand sanitizer; the week before, it was a water bottle for their personal use. One time, it was a cheery little plant with a thank-you note. While we were at the Pastor's & Worker's Conference in September we picked up books written by Dr. Zachary. These were other gifts we gave out. We have given the teachers 3x5 cards, red pens, green pens, dry-erase markers, hand lotion, paper clips, rolls of tape, erasers, pencil boxes, highlighters, correction fluid, staples, Lysol, and on the list goes. Yes, these are all things that they need to have in their class room at some time or another, but they are also things that will edify them in their teaching and Christian walk.

There is another thing we do to encourage the teachers -- free hot lunches. We all know that teaching in a Christian school is not a lucrative job! Most schools have a lunch program with a set menu. If the teacher wants to order for the day, they can. We simply do not charge the teacher for lunch as we do the students.

Can you handle one more idea? How about fixing breakfast for the teachers? It does not have to be fancy or time-consuming. It could be as easy as picking up doughnuts and juice, or a little more complicated like cooking hash browns, sausage, and eggs.

We come up with ideas in an attempt to keep our students motivated throughout the year, but why not the teachers, too? Try to implement one or many of these, and see what happens to your teaching staff. Have a great rest of the year!

A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another: as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another. John 13:34-35.

About the Author: Barbie Smith is the wife of Mark Smith, Pastor of Faith Baptist Church in Tacoma, Washington. She has been involved in Christian education for twenty-eight years, and has served as the school administrator of Faith Baptist Christian Academy for the past three years.