Because of their freedom, charter schools face a unique opportunity to transform American education. Nowhere is this opportunity more compelling than in the area of “human resources” the ways charter schools mobilize and motivate staff to achieve results. Though the legal framework varies from state to state, most charter schools possess a great deal of autonomy when it comes to managing people.
Charter schools in many places can hire any qualified person to teach, even if they lack the formal credentials required by district schools. Most charter schools can also organize professional development programs, set compensation, and evaluate staff in ways that support their missions and meet the unique needs of their school opportunities that are often not available to district schools. These ingredients are important for they help build a unique school culture that rallies the school’s people to achieve results. But all the freedom a charter school may possess will not change a thing unless its leaders seize the opportunity.
Each of these opportunities — however compelling — places new demands on the leaders of charter schools. Each of them requires school leaders to learn new skills, and to make judgments that leaders in more traditional settings aren’t called upon — or even allowed — to make. Mobilizing and Motivating Staff is a handbook created for leadersf both solidly established and newly founded charter schools. It is designed to help you think, plan, and act in ways that make the most of your best asset — your people. The guide’s aim is to help you convert your staff’s natural drives and talents into behaviors that support your school’s specific vision, needs, and objectives.
Introduction
Why This Guide?
Overview of Contents
Building the Foundation
Mission and Strategy
Resources for Developing Mission & Strategy
Leadership & Governance
When Teachers Own the School
Table: Leadership Roles
Resources on Developing Leadership
Ways in Which School Leaders Can Facilitate a Motivating Climate
Recruiting and Selecting Staff
Recruiting Steps
Example of Staff Role Descriptions
Resources for Teaching Position Descriptions
Recruitment Ideas
Recruiting Resources
Selection Steps
Example of a Behavioral Interview Question
Resources for Contracts
Supporting Performance
The Performance Cycle
Setting Goals
Communicating the School’s Mission, Goals and Expectations to Staff
Coaching and Developing
Types of Professional Development
Resources for Professional Development
Evaluating
Sources for Teacher Evaluation Profile
Resources for Evaluation
Rewarding
Setting Rewards at the St. Paul Family Learning Center
Basic Steps to Develop Your School’s Staff Rewards
Resources on Rewards
Building & Sustaining School Spirit
Motivational Factors
Building a Common Routine
Examples of Creating Routine
Implementing & Enforcing School-Wide Rules
Planning Physical Space
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Mobilizing and Motivating Your Staff To Get Results
