The "Take Off" Program (C)

 

Take Off^©

According to the National Council on Teacher Quality, the typical student spends the equivalent of one full year during the K12 experience under the supervision of substitute teachers. If you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em – that may be the solution for teacher absenteeism.

Most states offer teachers a pretty good retirement plan. The problem is – federal taxes are not deducted and there is no payment into the Social Security system. So, what’s left when teachers feel “pissed” on? Taking off is usually the answer. Teachers get about ten days each year to use as sick days. Veteran teachers that are near retirement have to use the accrued days or lose them (to a set minimum level). And, who wants to do that?

The Take Off^© Program actually encourages teachers to come to school while being awarded time off from the job. The psychology is quite simple. Most people like choices. Why do teachers take their days (besides the legitimate reasons)? Teachers are overworked and underpaid. Teachers feel worthless and abused. Check out the school calendars. Most of the extra work involves teachers attending workshops, meetings, or after school activities. What are the “outward” displays of appreciation? At one of my school assignments, I noticed the serious lack of teacher appreciation. I sat on the amenities committee. That year, there were three people retiring that had worked, collectively, for over 100 years. I thought to myself: these ladies cannot receive plaques or watches. As I investigated the availability of money for awards, I discovered that there was money in General Funds. The principal allowed my committee to purchase awards that these women could look on with pride for a long time. One of the ladies had breast cancer. She had been an extraordinary teacher for over 30 years. Another lady had been the school’s secretary for 40 years. She had stomach cancer. The third retiree had been a cafeteria worker for 30 years. Who could see these years of dedication go by with a handshake and a plaque? So Herculean efforts were made to secure a fine hotel room, serve a delicious meal, and allow the ladies to speak after a brief program. The standard had been set. The Take Off^© Program allows for teachers to be appreciated with honor, not just with an email. But, more like how corporate giants show their gratitude for a hard-working employee. The program works on a few general principles:

1. All teachers deserve recognition
2. School stakeholders understand that volunteers will be needed to relieve teachers
3. Teachers are held in the highest regard

Administrators must buy into the notion that teachers are more than just test monitors. Too often, classroom teachers are dumped on. The morale has to pick up if teacher absenteeism is to decrease. Too much money from school districts goes toward paying substitutes.

What you can do at your school?

1. Build a strong list of parents that are willing to act as substitutes. Pay for their lunch ($3.00)
2. Compile a data base of teacher attendance
3. Build strong ties with your Chamber of Commerce group, travel agents, and spa directors
4. Form a committee to draft letters of interest to every business in your community that is “get away” oriented (i. e. hotels, spas)
5. Form a strong alliance with businesses that respond
6. Offer businesses a way to give back to the community in exchange for them giving the school gift packages
7. Acknowledge your business partners all over the school
8. Enter perfect attendance names in a weekly drawing

List the names of perfect attendees on the general email. Let others know who is in perfect attendance. Recognition, Recognition, and Recognition – is the key to reducing teacher absenteeism.

Have the committee start the ball rolling with a weekend giveaway at a local hotel. Teachers need to buy into this program immediately and see the reward program working. Everyone likes giveaways. If a teacher remotely thinks that she could have a shot at a hotel giveaway, she will be at the job. Assign a special parking spot for “Teacher of the Week.” Place the Teacher of the Week’s picture on the televised announcements and on the school’s web page. Rent a horse or a top down car and have the Teacher of the Week ride out on the field during football season. The ideas are endless. The grand finale prize is at the end of the year.

During the school year, the parent volunteer group awards the winners by relieving them of one hour of teaching. The teacher is free to sit in the lounge area or take care of personal business. The important aspect of this award is that the teacher receives praise.

Notice – not one part of this program has cost the school district one dime.

The name of the game is sincere recognition. The only requirement is coordination.

Teacher absenteeism will not be one of your school’s problems with this program, despite geographical space, low pay, days of testing, staff development, extracurricular activities, or any other task that teachers are required to do.

Once you decide to take the big leap into the classroom environment, ask your school to incorporate the Take Off^© program. It will certainly build morale. And, high morale results in a pleasant working climate where people are producing results.

That’s what makes people want to work!

(Please reference me as author of this program. If you would like a specific plan tailored to your school, do not hesitate to contact me. It's free - with reference to the owner. Include "Take Off" Program on the subject line: claceybrown21@aol.com. The program belongs to the copyright with So, you wanna be a teacher: what to know before changing careers, 2010).