The Busy Principal's Podcast

Episode #16- Mental Health Awareness Month

May is Mental Health Awareness Month We need to take care of ourselves, our teachers, other administrators, educators, friends, and family. It's ok to ask for help if you need it. I'm here- reach out on any social media platform- @bobbiefrench or email me at bobbiefrench54@gmail.com You can read my blog post on this topic on Teach Better [https://www.teachbetter.com/blog/your-mind-matters-mental-health-awareness-month/?fbclid=IwAR1sIwly8FxuSDE50rwG3j8FEu1KpLn85iT2iHqBzdUd5FW2tWvSrTGexQk] Blogs.

Episode #15- Acknowledge Others

Thank you Brad Hughes for the challenge! I challenge you to acknowledge everyone you meet this week and notice the changes that occur when you do! Check out more content at bobbiefrench.com [//www.bobbiefrench.com] Let's connect- @bobbiefrench

Episode #14- No Excuses

In this episode, I share a little about how I am trying to rethink or reframe the 'excuses' that I make when I don't get some things done.  How I really need to make those things a priority.  I also tackle limiting beliefs that can interfere with what you want to accomplish. You can check out more of my content at  bobbiefrench.com [//www.bobbiefrench.com] and let's connect on all the socials: @bobbiefrench Thanks for listening

Episode #13- Onboarding

Now that you’ve hired your new Rock Star teachers, how do you welcome them into your school? Onboarding new staff is not something I learned in ‘principal school’.  Do you remember getting offered your first teaching position?  The excitement and anticipation of your very own classroom.  I want to celebrate right alongside my new team member. My friend, Beth Houf, gives her new hires a swag bag! I can’t think about a better way to welcome them into your school community than with some swag representing the school's colors and spirit. Proudly wearing the school colors will welcome your new staff into the community and give them a sense of belonging. Don’t wait to reach out to them.  Your new teacher will eagerly be waiting for your call about the next steps and when they can get in to see their new classroom or space. When creating an onboarding process, think about all of the things that your new hire will need to know.  What should they expect, where do they park, what do they do about lunch - is there a staff fridge, school lunch options, how do they call out when needed are questions that you will want to be prepared to answer. How will you introduce your new teacher and get them to meet the rest of the staff? We want to get our new staff members up to speed on so many things and in such a short amount of time.  It can be beneficial to set aside a week before school begins to provide them with a complete orientation.  This time could be reviewing handbooks, the school’s vision and mission as well as all of the expectations for staff.  Does this staff member need to participate in specific training that could be held that week? We have staff that are required to participate in First Aid, CPR, and Safety Care.  This is also a good time to provide necessary training in curriculum programs or other programs your school uses. Does your school have a formal induction program and provide new teachers with mentors? Keep them excited and connected!!

Episode #12- Hiring Rock Stars!

It’s hiring season!  I’ve learned so much more about hiring over the past few years compiling ideas from @Beth Houf, @Joe Sanfelipo and, @Jimmy Casas, and more in my PLN. Hiring a new staff member should not be a daunting task or just something to cross off your to-do list.  This is a huge opportunity for your school. It’s important to make a good impression of your school from the beginning.  Is your job posting very traditional or are you recruiting someone to join your team? Think about the questions you are going to ask. Be prepared ahead of time.  I find interview questions say as much about you as a school and your values as it does about the candidate.  Finding the right interview questions is one of the most frequent topics in my private principal groups. I’ve compiled a list of interview questions for you here [https://drive.google.com/file/d/1_sW3WgMrbsHxu1epqzM7bxjlT32oSAP8/view?usp=sharing].  This also includes some of the questions that Beth Houf and Shelley Burgess recommend in “Lead Like a Pirate [https://leadlikeapirate.net/]”. I suggest using Lightning Round questions [https://drive.google.com/file/d/10qnlm9zPXYI1oZQrwdphk9LVpMJZGA_F/view?usp=sharing]. Here comes the very best part- making an offer to your chosen candidate.  You want them to be as excited about joining your team as you are about inviting them to be part of your school.  How can you let them know that you think they are a Rock Star and should choose your school? No matter how you narrow down your candidates, conduct interviews and offer your chosen candidate the position, don’t forget to follow up with the other candidates. No one wants to be left wondering if they are going to hear from you. I wish you all the best this hiring season and hope you add the perfect people to your team. Please reach out if I can offer any support as you add new members to your team this year! @bobbiefrench (all the socials!!) www.bobbiefrench.com [//www.bobbiefrench.com] I'd also love it if you would follow/subscribe  and/or add a review and don't forget to share with your friends and colleagues!