by AmericanBoy

Created on: July 27, 2009   Last Updated: March 29, 2010

In survey after survey, the effectiveness of school administrators is cited as one of the most important factors in a successful school. In assessing these findings, effective administrators seem to share several core attributes. Some of the shared attributes cited are the willingness to support teacher discipline, projecting a positive attitude, showing genuine concern for the student body and staff, and providing staff and students with encouragement and affirmation. The list does not end here. Along with these, the quality of building teamwork is a skill-set that most effective administrators possess. Still, as important as this attribute is, it's fair to say that building teamwork among teachers is not an easy task.

With the broad range of personalities, opinions, and educational philosophies represented in most schools, bringing teachers together to work cooperatively and effectively can sometimes feel close to impossible. Some school administrators have simply quit trying to accomplish this after years of frustrating experiences, while other go through the motions hoping to take small steps toward the ultimate goal. Yet, in some cases, you find schools where the staff do work effectively together.

This leads me to believe that building a strong team-based group of teachers is possible! What are these administrators doing to make teamwork possible? As I've looked at the different examples of effective teacher cooperation within schools, a shared pattern of tried and true strategies emerges. These simple principles will greatly assist you in your goal of bringing teachers together. Let's discuss a few.

* Allow Quality Time

If teacher teamwork is to be fostered, then ample time within the contracted workday must be provided. In any professional relationship, the amount of quality time that you spend together with co-workers enhances the sense of cooperation. I am not suggesting that teachers are expected to befriend every teammate, but if there is to be a true spirit of "teamwork" within a school, then administrators must schedule focused, uninterrupted opportunities for teachers to share, interact, and plan together.

* Model Teamwork

As is the case in most organizations, positive culture must begin at the top. Effective administrators should be approachable and responsive to teacher feedback and suggestions. Research has indicated that true leadership is centered in the ability to influence. In light of this, administrators must not fall into the bad habit

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