The need to improve teacher morale in USD 257 was the main topic of discussion Wednesday when the Teacher Appreciation Committee had their first meeting in the Iola High School library.
The Teacher Appreciation Committee was formed to address issues in the schools that pertain to the well-being of the district’s 350 staff and faculty. The main topic of discussion was information gathered from a survey conducted in September. Brian Pekarek, district superintendent, said a questionnaire was sent to parents and answers were gathered in regard to teachers. Committee members spent time reviewing parents’ answers and compiling them in a list to be analyzed and sent to district staff.
The subjects of the questions included community service, resource management, trust and relationships, recommendations for the district and current initiatives the parents deem needless.
Parents’ answers were across the board. Some expressed opinion that USD 257 needs to improve communication between teachers and parents and others expressed a need to increase salaries for district employees. Many answers supported teacher’s efforts in the schools, praising their productivity and dedication to the district’s students.
Pekarek said the goal of the committee is to narrow down which areas the district needs to improve upon and focus specifically on those areas.
“We do a lot of things well in the district,” Pekarek said. “Is there something we do that we can be the best at?”
Ideas for improvement stemmed from a book provided by Pekarek. The book, titled “Lessons in Loyalty” by Lorraine Grubbs, is based on a Southwest Airlines employee’s experience with maintaining staff loyalty.
Annette Rexwinkle, seventh and eighth grade language teacher at Iola Middle School, said the book is an interesting look into how employees are treated in one of the most respected companies in the nation. She said employee relations are the most important aspect of Southwest’s business structure and it has led to a loyal employee and customer base. The committee members will be reading the book throughout the semester, while applying the content to the district.
The meeting concluded with a brainstorming session about ideas for Teach Appreciation Month in general.
Maxwell, the principal at McKinley Elementary School, said little things are important when building relationships with teachers. She said simple notions like personal notes, clear communication and complimentary meals would make a difference in the school district.
The committee members include superintendent Brian Pekarek, Crystal Henderson (Iola High School), Hannah Platt (Lincoln Elementary), Lori Maxwell (McKinley Elementary), Annette Rexwinkle (Iola Middle School) and Mark Burris (school board).
Pekarek said the committee is unpaid for their time during meetings, and it is important to see how much teachers care about their co-workers and teachers. The next committee meeting is scheduled for Jan. 17 in the Iola High School library.
