Are Faculty Icebreakers a Good Use of Time?
In this video, Dr. Justin Baeder discusses why teachers often find faculty meeting icebreakers frustrating and whether there are better ways to build staff community.
Key Takeaways
- Teachers find icebreakers frustrating - Adults with limited time often resent activities that feel juvenile or pointless
- The intent is good, the execution isn't - Building community matters, but forced activities can undermine that goal
- Respect teachers' time and professionalism - Better options include meaningful collaboration, shared problem-solving, or genuine conversation
Transcript
So icebreakers in faculty meetings and especially in back to school PD.
One of the things I've seen in the comments on my previous videos has been just the amount of time that people feel is wasted with icebreakers or off campus activities or things that really take away the time that people need to get ready for the school year, especially to set up their classrooms.
But I feel like there probably is some value to icebreakers.
Are we overdoing it?
Are we doing them badly?
What do you want principals to know about icebreakers in faculty meetings?
Leave a comment.
Let me know.
school leadership
professional development
workplace culture