In this episode, Larissa Napolitan and Trudy Bender discuss the top concerns for school leaders, with a focus on creating a safe and supportive environment for both students and staff. They emphasize the importance of building a positive school culture and the role of administrators in modeling the behavior they expect from their staff. They also highlight the need for administrators to be present on the ground and understand the challenges faced by teachers. Small gestures of care and concern, such as providing special lunches or allowing teachers to dress comfortably, can make a big difference in improving staff morale. Additionally, seeking feedback from staff through anonymous surveys can help identify areas for improvement and create a more positive work environment.

Trudy is the Senior Manager of Thought Leadership Content at Branching Minds, but comes to us as a District MTSS Leader and Behavior Coordinator. She serves the state of Texas as a Restorative Discipline Facilitator. Trudy is a Licensed Specialist in School Psychology and a Nationally Certified School Psychologist.

Takeaways

-Creating a safe and supportive environment is a top concern for school leaders.

-Building a positive school culture is essential for both students and staff.

-Administrators should be present on the ground and understand the challenges faced by teachers.

-Small gestures of care and concern can make a big difference in improving staff morale.

Chapters

00:40 Top Concerns for School Leaders

02:08 Creating a Safe and Supportive Environment

03:01 Building a Positive School Culture

04:21 Understanding Teachers' Challenges

06:02 The Importance of Being Present

08:08 Small Gestures of Care and Concern

09:21 Creating Special Moments for Staff

10:14 Implementing Small Changes Today

15:55 Seeking Feedback from Staff

19:25 Conclusion

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