As a school leader, one of your most important roles is to support your team of teachers. When staff feel valued, listened to, and encouraged, they’re more likely to thrive, and so are their students.
Support looks different for every person, but the goal is the same: to create a positive, professional environment where teachers feel respected and motivated to do their best work.
Build Genuine Connections
Take the time to get to know your staff as individuals. Understand what motivates them, what challenges they face, and how they prefer to be recognised. Some teachers appreciate public praise during meetings, while others value a quiet “well done” in private.
Simple, consistent gestures of appreciation go a long way. A kind word, a note, or even just checking in can make staff feel seen and supported.
Provide Clear and Constructive Feedback
Effective support includes honest feedback. When something needs to be addressed, do it promptly and respectfully. Have the conversation in private, begin by listening, and then share specific observations in a calm and objective way.
Offer solutions, not just criticism. Work with the teacher to create an action plan and follow up regularly. This helps build trust and shows your ongoing commitment to their development.
Prioritise Professional Learning
Teachers need opportunities to keep learning and improving. Offering meaningful professional development is one of the best ways to support your team.
This can include workshops, courses, or conferences, but informal learning matters too. Encourage peer observations, team teaching, or collaborative planning. Ask teachers what areas they want to grow in and tailor opportunities accordingly.
When teachers feel invested in, they’re more likely to stay engaged, and stay at your organisation.
Support Wellbeing and Balance
Teaching can be intense, so looking after staff wellbeing is essential. Encourage healthy work habits. Model balance by setting realistic expectations, taking breaks, and respecting boundaries.
Pay attention to workload. Are your marking policies sustainable? Are meetings purposeful? Reviewing systems that may add stress shows staff that their time and wellbeing matter.
Sometimes support simply means letting someone know it’s okay to take a step back when needed or encouraging them to leave on time and recharge.
Be a Leader Who Listens
Make space for open, honest communication. Be visible and approachable and encourage staff to share their thoughts. Listening actively, and acting on what you hear, builds a culture of trust and collaboration.
Let your team see that you’re learning too. When leaders are open to feedback and personal growth, they inspire others to do the same.
Strong teaching teams are built on strong support. When teachers feel valued, respected, and understood, they bring more energy, creativity, and care to their work. That benefits everyone, students, staff, and the wider school community.
Supporting your team isn’t an occasional task. It’s something you build into your everyday leadership practice. And over time, it can transform your school culture for the better.