Teachers are the heart of the school. I certainly know my kids adore their teachers at Prairie Hill. They have left an impact on my kiddos. I am very grateful for this. By valuing teachers, we can only stand to reap the benefits in our students.
Attracting top-notch educators and retaining our already great staff will be a priority for me on the board. Teachers often put their students' needs ahead of their own. School board members are in a unique position to put a value on this hard work, dedication, and passion our teachers have for our student's success. High teacher turn-over is not in the best interest of our students. I certainly will advocate for policies that attract and retain high-quality educators like competitive salaries, benefits, professional development opportunities, and a healthy work-life balance. This value isn't just about salaries. Teachers need time and materials to be the best that they can be. This could involve budgeting for supplies, encouraging applications for grants, and advocating for ways to give teachers more time to prepare for their days.
Supporting teachers can go beyond finances by fostering a supportive and respectful work environment that recognizes the significant impact teachers have on students' lives.
This kind of support is as simple as involving teachers in decisions. Teachers are the ones in the trenches. They spend their days with the students. They know what works and what doesn't. Trying to make educational decisions without their input would not be in the best interest of our students or the community. Input from teachers will help any board initiatives be more relevant, effective, and responsive to the needs of students and the teachers in our district.
Teachers are highly trained professionals too. They have unique skills, experience, and perspectives. I certainly support teacher autonomy in the classroom. I know I did my best teaching when I could be creative and weave an understandable and engaging lesson or unit. This professional autonomy is critical to fostering innovation and and truly phenomenal instructional strategies.
By valuing our educators, supporting teachers, and promoting a healthy work-life balance in the Prairie Hill School District, the school board can create an amazing learning environment for students and watch the school district succeed.