Flipping Staff Meetings

Tai Twyman

It is the one day of the week that makes many cringe. Staff meeting. Traditionally, the staff meeting is the time most of the staff convenes to listen to the principal or other member of the leadership team give a run down on data, instructional initiatives, and expectations. Typically, teachers are on the receiving end of the sit-and-get gathering and have little to no voice when it comes to the items being discussed. What if this was a classroom you were observing? As a leader, hopefully the first thing you notice would be the lack of engagement, interaction, and collaboration. How effective could that method be? If the constant lecture is frowned upon for students, shouldn’t the same hold true for adults?

Of course, there are mandates that drive the structure and function of many staff meetings, but on other days, think about the lasting impact the information would have on teachers if it was aligned to what they needed. This does not include the need to go over “housekeeping” matters. Those issues, such as upcoming events, generic feedback, and notices about the copier, could be addressed using a social or electronic platform like Google +, Edmodo, Smore, and even email. With this time now available, the time together can be shifted to focus on the major initiatives. For the most part, you will be on the road to Flipping your staff meeting.

Flipping a staff meeting, like flipping a classroom, can be done in a variety of ways. The essential question to ask is: How can leaders maximize time they have with teachers? One way to begin is by providing the agenda and any pertinent material prior to the meeting. This gives teachers the opportunity to peruse the information, reflect, and generate questions or suggestions. It demonstrates that as a leader you have put thought into what matters, and it is not just another whimsical, off the cuff meeting.  It also frees up time during the meeting to put a plan in action. During the meeting, time is now spent on cross team collaboration, problem solving, and capacity building. As with any change initiative, it may not be easy, but I think it is definitely worth giving a try.