Communication

3 Easy Ways to Incentivize Faculty with a Weekly School Newsletter

Dr. Kara Stern
2 min read
Hands of two people using the same laptop.

Want to build a more engaged and loyal faculty? Consistent communication is key, and recognizing staff for their hard work is one of the most effective ways to do it.

Why Recognition Matters

Numbers don’t lie. 88% of employees believe that being recognized for their contributions is important, and those who feel under-appreciated are twice as likely to search for new jobs. The good news? You don’t need a big budget to show appreciation. Non-cash incentives like public recognition are just as effective in boosting morale.

That’s where a weekly school newsletter comes in. If you’re not already sending out a faculty/staff newsletter, now’s the time! It’s a simple, cost-effective way to recognize team members and create a positive school culture.

Here are 3 easy ways to cheer for your staff in your weekly newsletter:

1. Principal’s Hall of Fame

Each week, spotlight two or three faculty or staff members who have excelled. This could be anything from completing paperwork the fastest to demonstrating exceptional creativity in the classroom.

  • Highlight their accomplishments in one sentence.
  • Get a quote from each person on how they achieved their success.
  • This small gesture of recognition builds loyalty and encourages others to step up.

2. The Staff Recognizes…

Give your team the chance to recognize each other! Create a Google form where faculty and staff can send “shout-outs” to colleagues who have helped them.

  • Publish all the shout-outs in the following week’s newsletter for an instant feel-good boost.
  • This not only builds community but also highlights teamwork and collaboration.

3. Special Editions

Once a month, create a Special Edition of the newsletter that focuses on one or two standout faculty members.

  • Feature their work in detail, with pictures of their classroom, interviews, and quotes from colleagues, students, or even parents.
  • Share the special edition with the entire school community, publicly celebrating their contributions.

By providing consistent recognition, you’re giving your faculty a reason to stay, which directly impacts student success.

Ready to start celebrating your team? Get started with this faculty newsletter template and improve faculty engagement today! Want to communicate even more effectively? Explore tools at SchoolStatus to streamline communication.

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Dr. Kara Stern

Dr. Kara Stern began her career as an ELA teacher, then shifted into administration as a middle school principal. Dr. Stern is a fervent advocate for equitable communication and family engagement. She spent five years as Executive Director at Math for America, where she designed the professional learning community that exists to this day. An unexpected move to Tel Aviv launched her into the world of EdTech where she became the Director of Education Content for Smore and then the Head of Education Solutions at SchoolStatus. Outside of work, she indulges her love for reading, devouring two novels weekly, with a particular fondness for heists and spy stories.

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