Connected in Isolation

Never has there been a time that there are so many ways to be connected, but yet, we are so disconnected. Certainly, we e-mail, text, and interact through social media, but is it authentic communication? We are missing out on meaningful  personal relationships! So many teachers, and I would argue anyone in education, are closing their doors whenever possible in an effort to "get things done". They hurry through conversations, meetings and events to move on to the next obligatory task. Many staff members work through their lunches and prep time, rarely leaving their classrooms--suffering in isolation. They meet the demands of their job, but there is little time to get to know one another, celebrate their successes and laugh together. We are connected, but yet so isolated! In accordance to Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs, a sense of belonging can help us to achieve self-actualization and experience success.  Going it alone can cause teachers to become stagnant and lose their passion. 

On the contrary, teamwork can bring great ideas into fruition.Try reconnecting your staff with the following ideas:

• Flip your meetings, make them more social with face-to-face contact.
• Build fun into the daily routine.
• CELEBRATE your staff, create a family!(include EVERYONE)
• Create a "Sunshine" committee to acknowledge important events in the lives of your staff.(weddings, babies, illnesses and sympathy)
• Encourage staff participation in activities outside of school.
• Create student-staff team opportunities.
• Have staff and family days.
• Recognize, reward and praise your staff as much as possible.

 "Individually we are one drop of water, together we are an ocean."

 Let's start filling the sea!!