MASA New/ Newer Member Update

This BLOG contains information and guidance to the first and second year members of the MN Association of school Administrators by Charlie Kyte, Executive Director.

The audio podcast is 10 minutes long and adds to the discussion on the topics below.

LATE WINTER BLUES

This time of the year is a typical 'low' point for staff and for administrators. Work to keep yourself up and your staffs as well. Great leaders know when and how to lift people.

GREAT START BEFORE SPRING CONFERENCE

There are Great Start and 2nd Year Cohort Group Workshops on Wednesday, April 2. These are provided at no cost, but you need to register. Later in the evening, Charlie will host a reception (about 8:30) in one of the suites near the pool. You are invited to come.

TIPS TO RECRUIT & HIRE TEACHERS

Most of you will be doing at least some hiring in the next 3 months. In many ways hiring teachers is one of a districts most important decisions. Here are a few tips from Mary Clements book "Recruiting & Hiring Effective Teachers"

"The single best predictor of a candidates future job performance is his/ her past job behavior"

"Interviews that probe past job behavior have been found to be more reliable than ones that focus on personality traits"

For more on this topic, listen to the audio podcast.

SUMMER PLANNING

It is time to plan your Board Retreat for June. Also think about a 'debrief' Administrative Retreat/ Meeting in June and already schedule a full day administrative planning retreat in early August. It is important to get your lead people all on the same goals.