Holiday Absences Ahead!

Managing teacher absences and staffing up for special events during the holidays can be a real challenge for school administrators. With so many extra events on campus and teachers requesting more time off, it can be difficult to ensure that there is sufficient coverage for all classes and activities. Implementing well-planned strategies and procedures can minimize the impact of teacher absences and ensure that students continue to receive a high-quality education from October through December.

Here are a few tips for getting ahead of the mischief and creating a more enjoyable, more successful holiday season at school:

Setting the Stage for Success

• Consider the big picture. Planning how you'll manage teacher absences during the holiday season might include scheduling building floater substitutes to support your staff as needed during busier weeks, and/or adjusting your schedule to accommodate activities and absences more easily.
• Staff up for your special events and programs! Could you use extra help to manage young performers or guide families visiting campus to the right location? Having a few extra sets of capable hands on your team can go a long way toward making the programs you've worked hard to create go smoothly and successfully. Book the subs who are familiar with your students and school routines in advance!
  
• Provide extra support for your substitute teachers. Furnish the resources and support they need to be successful in the classroom, including enhanced communication. Consider how holiday events and schedules might involve your subs, and make sure they are kept in the loop.
  
• Communicate early and often with your school teams and parents about special schedules and absence policies related to holiday breaks. Encourage planning ahead for absences.
• Think beyond the classroom. Do you need to augment your office staff on busy days? What adjustments and plans will best support your administrative teams? How can you mitigate the additional holiday stress placed on your custodial and food service teams? Marshaling the extra resources to support your school as a whole will help achieve better outcomes for your staff and students!

Celebrating Joy and Maintaining Momentum 

Managing teacher absences, alternative schedules, and increased activities during the holidays can be a challenging task. Planning thoughtfully and communicating effectively with parents, staff, and substitute teachers can help ensure that the educational process continues with added joy and fewer disruptions. It's not too early to plan and gather the resources available. With the right planning and support, you can provide students with fulfilling educational experiences and maintain academic momentum, while fully celebrating all the joy and fun of the holiday season!