The end of the year may be only weeks away, but there is much to be done and many potential distractions and disruptions occupy the path ahead. Our role in the final weeks might be compared to clearing the path, showing the way, and preparing for a great arrival.
One of our most important tasks during this time is to listen carefully and constantly. People will tell us what they need and what we need to do, if they believe we are listening. Of course, not everyone will have the same needs and we cannot do everything. What is most important is to be present, responsive, and ready to lead.
Central to our “path clearing” work is a focus on protecting relationships, promoting shared effort, and preparing to celebrate success. Our message in these final weeks is that we are still in this together. We need to support each other. It is not a time to be distracted by petty grievances and meaningless arguments. If we give our best effort, we will be fine. We do not need to worry about what we cannot change. And we need to celebrate successes wherever they can be found.
We need to “cut away” distractions and nonessential activities to preserve time and energy to focus on learning and teaching activities. Nonessential staff meetings might be replaced by video messages, printed updates, and personal conversations. Where possible, we might provide flexibility in deadlines for reports and other end of year paperwork. Look for ways to reduce out-of-class responsibilities. Encourage teachers to collaborate, share, and exchange responsibilities.
Show the way forward by concentrating on a limited number of priorities for the final weeks. Keep learning at the center but avoid placing excessive pressure on people for activities that take time and need flexibility. Focus on essential skills and content, not coverage. Identify and monitor students who have suffered trauma and may be in crisis.
Avoid cluttering the path and creating distractions. For example, where possible, delay announcements of new initiatives and major changes for the coming year. Now is not the time to introduce uncertainty and questions regarding issues that can wait. Consider reserving time at the very end of the year if announcements and changes for next year need to be shared.
Keep the destination in sight and build to an ending high. This year has been a long journey and reaching the end is worth celebrating. Commit to making this the best ending ever. Use your imagination and make it special without having it become a distraction. Create anticipation for an event worth working toward. Remarkably, despite all that everyone has been through, a special ending may be what people remember most when this year fades into history.
