Onboarding
Joining a new school or organization can be daunting even if you know how to do your job. You’re entering a new culture with new people, new expectations, and a new way of being. While a district or charter organization may cover operations and compliance, I wanted to ensure that each new person knew that they were truly wanted. I wanted them to know that we believed that they had a lot to offer our team.
While we ensured that new staff had a smooth transition in a number of ways, one of the simplest and most impactful things I could do was to send them a note letting them know that I was excited to see them on our team.
This is something that any member of an organization could do for a new member. It’s simple, clear, and honest. Just like we want our people to be with our children and each other.
Below is a letter (with names changed) that I used to welcome one of our team members in 2015.
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Trust.
Brian,
This year I hope to give you the teaching experience that you deserve. I hope that you find the freedom to practice your craft, build relationships with your children, and be surrounded by individuals who serve the same mission as you.
For too long, you have been treated like a cog in a machine. It will take some time, and some terrific questions like, “Are there guidelines to opening the blinds?” for you to unlearn the old rules and believe in our system. To ease this transition, I’m going to answer as many questions for you as I can right now:
I trust you.
You are smart, insightful, and focused on treating our children with respect. You will not pity them or harangue them for doing the things that children will do. You will challenge them and engage with them. It is clear that you will work with your
teammates to make a large and profound impact on our small community.
There will come times throughout the year where you and I disagree on strategy, practice, etc. In those times, I promise to let you know that I disagree and then trust you to make the decision.
We will discuss many of the choices that you make in regards to instruction, classroom culture, interactions with families and staff. Rest assured though, they will be your choices.
Our school is filled with smart people on a mission. The work we do is targeted and specific. We strive to level the playing field for our children. I am grateful that you have decided to join our team and help us on this mission.
As you unlearn the miseducation that you have received, accept your freedom and your power. Trust your teammates, trust yourself, and remember, I trust you.
Welcome To Our School.
Sincerely,
Matthew Ebert
Matthew Ebert is an educational consultant with 20+ years of experience as a Principal, Academy Leader, Director of Academic Innovation, and a Teacher.
Matthew is a Ted-Ed Speaker, a published author in EdWeek and Edutopia, been featured in the Marshall Memo and a guest on a number of podcasts.
Matthew is the founder and principal consultant of Ebert Educational Consulting whose goal it is to support leaders so that they can focus on what matters most. Their team provides principal mentorship, operational support, and program implementation to help school create a culture of care.
Ebert Educational Consulting’s work is grounded in the idea that we are all here to take care of each other.