Teachers need grace, too!
Jessica Doering 
Read about one of the biggest missing pieces in the plans for trauma-informed schools.
When I asked thousands of teachers about grace for students, one of the biggest pushbacks I got was that they didn't get any themselves. And while I think we should do what's right and have integrity in our work regardless of the choices of others, I have personally experienced the lack of respect and I'm sure, teacher friend, you have too. So this post is about that--how can we do better for teachers?
Listen to the needs of teachers! And really listen. I think we get so caught up in the "yeah, yeah, yeah" mentality that says, "I've heard it all before. Teachers aren't respected. But we have work to do, so let's move on." But maybe we should take a step back and think about hear their hearts and be innovative in thinking about changing the system to hear and protect teachers.
Improve mentorship instead of focusing on punishment for teachers who aren't meeting the mark. New teachers post every day in support groups about admin that has told them again and again they aren't doing anything right, but they receive no support to fix the issues. Teachers are people and make mistakes! We all need to grow and learn! But let's step up our efforts to support teachers and give them the resources and tools they need to be successful. Administration can do check ins to see what teachers need (without telling them what to do, just listen!). Teachers can share resources, advice, or listen to one another. Peer shadowing (going into rooms of other teachers to learn) can be invaluable. Anonymous outlets to share their feelings about the mentorship at your school. Start somewhere with improving mentoring right now!
Require less (especially the dumb stuff). The biggest reason teachers need grace these days is that there's too much being asked of them. So find creative ways to reduce their work load, like simpler lesson plan requirements or shortening (or removing) staff meetings.
Cultivate a compassionate school culture. What are you doing to love everyone better? When students, teachers, staff, volunteers are all treated well, grace breeds grace. Grow in grace for everyone and more grace will naturally spread. Being around grace-filled people tends to create in people a sense of belonging and peace that is contagious!
Connect with us to learn more about compassionate school culture! Looking to go deeper? We have training for teachers and administrators in compassionate education.