In a recent conversation with a leader I support, the topic of professionalism and adult responsibility came forward as a challenge in their school. Professionalism is a pretty broad term, incorporating everything from completing assessments on time for the data cycles to how someone dresses, behaves both in and outside of the schoolhouse, and so much more.

In any school community, the expectations set for adults—teachers, administrators, support staff, and even parents—play a critical role in shaping the overall educational environment. Reinforcing these expectations is not just a matter of compliance but a pathway to creating a culture of excellence. In this blog post, I’m sharing five essential steps to effectively reinforce expectations for all adults within the school setting.

1. Establish Clear and Inclusive Expectations: The first step in reinforcing expectations for all adults is to establish clear and inclusive guidelines. These expectations should be well-defined, covering areas such as professional conduct, communication, collaboration, and commitment to the overall mission and values of the school. Importantly, these expectations should be inclusive, recognizing the diverse roles and responsibilities of different adults within the school community. Whether it’s teachers, administrators, support staff, or parents, each group should have expectations tailored to their unique contributions and interactions within the educational ecosystem.
2. Communication and Transparency: Effective communication is the driver in any successful endeavor, and reinforcing expectations is no exception. Schools should implement a comprehensive communication strategy that ensures expectations are not only clearly articulated but also regularly reinforced. This can be achieved through staff meetings, newsletters, and other communication channels. Transparency is crucial in this process; all stakeholders should understand the rationale behind expectations, fostering a sense of collective ownership. By keeping everyone informed, schools create an environment where expectations are not perceived as rules to follow but as shared standards that contribute to the success of the entire community.
3. Continuous Professional Development: Professional development is not solely for teachers; it should be extended to all adults within the school community. By offering targeted training and learning opportunities, schools can ensure that adults stay informed about best practices, evolving educational trends, and any updates to school policies. This continuous learning not only enhances the skills of individuals but also reinforces the school’s commitment to growth and improvement. Workshops and seminars can be tailored to address specific expectations, helping adults align their practices with the shared goals of the institution.
4. Model and Recognize Positive Behavior: Leadership plays a pivotal role in reinforcing expectations. School administrators and other influential figures should model the behavior expected from all adults. When leaders demonstrate a commitment to the established expectations, it sets a powerful example for others to follow. Additionally, recognizing and celebrating instances of positive behavior reinforces the value placed on meeting and exceeding expectations. This recognition can be both formal and informal, creating a positive and supportive culture where individuals feel appreciated for their contributions to the school community.
5. Feedback and Continuous Improvement: Reinforcing expectations is an ongoing process that requires regular feedback and opportunities for continuous improvement. Establishing a feedback loop allows adults to reflect on their practices, receive constructive input, and make adjustments as needed. This can be facilitated through performance evaluations, surveys, or open forums for discussion. By fostering a culture of continuous improvement, schools create an environment where adults feel empowered to grow both personally and professionally in alignment with the school’s expectations.

Reinforcing expectations for all adults at school is a holistic approach that involves clarity, communication, professional development, positive modeling, and a commitment to continuous improvement. By leaning in to these 5 key steps, schools can cultivate a culture of excellence where all members of the community contribute to a positive and thriving educational environment. In doing so, they lay the foundation for success not only in individual roles but for the collective benefit of the entire school community.

Have a #RoadToAwesome week

Darrin

Tune in this week to “Leaning into Leadership” where my guest Jim Saliba shares his six-step leadership challenge.

Quick cross-promotion: check out my recent appearance on Illinois Superintendent Dr. Brandi Kelly’s Lead with Hope podcast.

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