Helping Students Reach Their Potential Requires Bringing Out the Best in Educators: 7 Tips for Supporting Teachers

The old saying goes, it takes a village to raise a child. Unfortunately, a lot gets thrown onto teachers when bringing out the best in students should be a shared commitment between the home, community, and school. And while the home and community can't be in the classroom directly educating students, bringing out the best in them requires bringing out the best in teachers. Therefore, supporting teachers is crucial for the success of the education system and the well-being of students. It requires a collective effort involving students, parents, administrators, policymakers, and the wider community. By valuing and investing in teachers, we create an environment that nurtures their well-being, enhances their professional practice, and ultimately benefits the education and future of our children. Here are seven ways that everyone can help teachers:

1. Respect and Appreciation: Show respect and appreciation for teachers and the valuable work they do. Recognize and acknowledge their dedication, commitment, and the significant impact they have on students' lives. Express gratitude for their efforts and the contributions they make to society.

2. Active Parental Involvement: Parents and guardians can actively engage in their child's education by maintaining open lines of communication with teachers, attending parent-teacher conferences, and participating in school events. Collaborate with teachers to support students' learning and well-being, and reinforce the importance of education at home.

3. Volunteer and Support: Offer your time and skills to support teachers and schools. Volunteer in classrooms, libraries, or extracurricular activities. Share your expertise or resources to enhance educational experiences. Support fundraising efforts or donate classroom supplies to alleviate the burden of out-of-pocket expenses on teachers.

4. Advocate for Education: Advocate for education policies, funding, and resources that prioritize the needs of teachers and students. Get involved in local and national discussions about education and raise awareness about the challenges teachers face. Support initiatives that promote teacher professional development, fair compensation, and positive working conditions.

5. Provide Feedback and Constructive Input: Offer constructive feedback to teachers and schools. Share your observations, concerns, or suggestions in a respectful and collaborative manner. Engage in dialogue that promotes improvement and growth while valuing the expertise and experience of educators.

6. Foster a Positive School Climate: Help create a positive and supportive school environment. Encourage kindness, inclusivity, and respect among students, parents, and staff. Promote a culture that values learning, collaboration, and well-being. Support initiatives that address bullying, mental health, and social-emotional development.

7. Lifelong Learning and Professional Development: Recognize that teachers are lifelong learners too. Support their ongoing professional development by advocating for relevant training opportunities, workshops, and conferences. Encourage a culture of continuous learning and growth within the education community.

Ultimately, supporting teachers is an investment in the present and future of education. It empowers teachers to fulfill their vital role, positively impacting student learning, well-being, and the overall quality of education. An important approach for bringing out the best in teachers is equipping them with the knowledge and skills to be successful. If you know educators who are struggling with behavior, be sure to check out the video about PCMA's EveryDay BehaviorTools and reach out to Drew Carter at [email protected] for more information.

About the Author

Specializing in human performance, coaching, and organizational leadership, Dr. Paul "Paulie" Gavoni is a behavior scientist and educator who has worked across education and human services for almost three decades. In this capacity, he has served the needs of children and adults through various positions, including COO, Vice President, Director of School Improvement, Leadership Director, Professor, Assistant Principal, School Turnaround Manager, Clinical Coordinator, Therapist, District Behavior Analyst, and Director of Progam Development and Public Relations at?PCMA . Dr. Gavoni is passionate about applying Organizational Behavior Management (OBM), or the science of human behavior, to make a positive difference in establishing safe, productive, and engaging environments that bring out the best in faculty and staff so they can bring out the best in the learners they serve. He is an active board member of the?Opioid Awareness Foundation ?and?World Behavior Analysis Day Alliance .

Known for his authenticity and practical approaches, Dr. Gavoni is the host of the Top 1.5% globally ranked?Crisis in Education Podcast ?and a sought-out speaker at various Educational and Behavior Analytic Conferences Internationally. He a the Wall Street Journal and USA Today best-selling co-author of The Scientific Laws of Life & Leadership: Behavioral Karma; Quick Wins! Accelerating School Transformation through Science, Engagement, and Leadership; Deliberate Coaching: A Toolbox for Accelerating Teacher Performance; and MMA Science: A Training, Coaching, and Belt Ranking Guide. Dr. Gavoni is proud to introduce OBM and Applied Behavior Analysis to worldwide audiences through his numerous publications and his work with PCMA to create productive, safe, and positive cultures.

Beyond his work in education and human services, Dr. Gavoni is also a former Golden Gloves Heavyweight Champion and a highly respected striking coach in combat sports. Coach “Paulie Gloves,” as he is known in the Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) community, has trained world champions and UFC vets using technologies rooted in the behavioral sciences. Coach Paulie has been featured in the books?Beast: Blood, Struggle, and Dreams a the Heart of Mixed Martial Arts , A Fighter’s Way, and the featured article Ring to Cage:?How four former boxers help mold MMA’s finest . He is also an author who has written extensively for various online magazines such as Scifighting, Last Word on Sports, and Bloody Elbow, where his?Fight Science series ?continues to bring behavioral science to MMA. Finally, Paulie was also a featured fighter in FX’s highest-rated show at the time, The Toughman, and as an MMA coach in the Lifetime reality series?Leave it to Geege .