What's the most important thing for a leader to do in the first week of school?
Among a zillion tasks, it's this: Visit every classroom.
In fact, let's make it a hashtag:
Sure, everyone tries to do it. Most people probably end up visiting most classrooms.
But let's get serious: let's visit every classroom in the first full week of school.
You can even give yourself a few days to deal with opening-of-school emergencies. Start on the 2nd or 3rd day if you like.
But in short order, get out of the office and get into classrooms.
And don't stop till you've visited #EveryClassroom.
Tips for Visiting #EveryClassroom
- Visit systematically—a department or grade level at a time
- Keep track—print a staff roster, or have your secretary help, so you don't skip anyone
- Don't give yourself any homework yet—just show up
- Don't evaluate teachers or provide feedback—that can come later
For now, focus on getting around to every teacher in your school. Just make an appearance, so no one is surprised to see you in October.
Be friendly, say hi, pay attention, and build relationships.
As a bonus, you'll have a great deal of information and context you wouldn't have without these visits. So make it happen!
We'll have more on #EveryClassroom soon, including a way you can track your progress.
If you're on Twitter, use the hashtag #EveryClassroom and mention me (@eduleadership) to let me know you're in.
Whether you start school on Monday or not for several more weeks, I hope this is the year you make it happen!
Finishers: