Encouraging Teacher Attendance
We asked for strategies from principals from across the nation.
Topics: School Management, Teacher Effectiveness
What strategies do you use to encourage teacher attendance?
An accepting environment. We build strong relationships and offer flexibility in accepting personal leave. We are supportive of leaving at the bell for appointments.
—Lisa Condran, Salish Coast Elementary School, Port Townsend, Washington
Flexible scheduling. Flexibility and a family-first mindset. If teachers know they can leave a few minutes early to get their child to an appointment rather than missing the whole day to do so, I offer that flexibility.
—Kimberly Miles (@afewthingsworth), East Gresham Elementary, Gresham, Oregon
Empowerment to act. We make teachers feel—because it is true—that if they need to leave or take a sick day or go care for family, they can.
—Brian Miller (@miller_brian_t), North Middle School, Great Falls, Montana
Take it to the bank. In our district, teachers have the chance to bank personal time-off days into their sick bank for future years. At a certain point, they can start cashing out days.
—Brad Luce (@5luce), Centennial Public Schools, Utica, Nebraska
Connecting via text. We ask teachers to text us if they will be out. I think this helps encourage attendance because they feel more accountable than if they just entered their absence in Frontline and took the day off.
—Shannon Hamm (@hamm_shamm), Circle Center Grade School, Yorkville, Illinois
Crafting a culture. Building strong morale and culture, creating an inviting intake process, and being visible.
—Anna Claire Parker (@acparker12), Horn Lake Intermediate School, Horn Lake, Mississippi
Offering incentives. We offer $100 if a teacher has perfect attendance during a trimester. We also include clear language in the contract about when and how teachers can take personal days.
—Delaney Rosenberg, Ellis School, Fremont, New Hampshire