When working with school leaders we often receive inquiries about how to run more efficient faculty meetings. We understand that teachers are busy and faculty meetings can be a source of frustration for many. However, a well-run meeting can actually be energizing, motivating, and even enjoyable. As a school leader, knowing how to run a great meeting is essential for building respect, trust, and morale among your team.
To start, our recommendation is first decide if the meeting is necessary. In our experience, much of the information that is often shared in faculty meetings could have been conveyed through an email or short video post. Once you have decided that a meeting is needed, it's important to establish a clear purpose and to avoid mixing objectives. Whether you need to problem-solve, brainstorm, engage in strategic thinking, make decisions, plan, or celebrate success, having a clear objective will help you prepare and ensure that everyone understands what's expected of them. For example, you might have objectives such as sharing updates on school initiatives, reviewing student achievement data, or brainstorming strategies for addressing a particular challenge.
Before the meeting, do the necessary preparation work, including writing a clear pre-read that states the role of each attendee, explains the purpose and objectives of the meeting, provides necessary background information, and includes an agenda with time slots for each part of the meeting. This can help ensure that the meeting is relevant and engaging for everyone.
During the meeting, start on time and take care of housekeeping tasks, such as ensuring that there are no phones or laptops, reviewing the purpose and agenda, and making sure that everyone knows their contribution. As the facilitator, your role is to orchestrate the meeting by sticking to the agenda, politely parking off-topic items, and steering the conversation toward the outcome well ahead of time. It's also important to ensure that everyone feels heard and to check in with them before moving on, even if they don't speak up. To keep meetings interesting, use a variety of formats, such as a panel discussion, a roundtable discussion, or a group activity to encourage participation and build camaraderie. Encourage teachers to share their knowledge and expertise with their colleagues by providing opportunities for teacher-led professional development during meetings. This can help build a culture of collaboration and continuous learning. Create a safe space for teachers to provide feedback and share their perspectives. This can help you identify areas where the school can improve and ensure that everyone feels heard and valued. Take time to recognize and celebrate successes, whether they're individual accomplishments or school-wide achievements. This can help build morale and encourage everyone to continue working towards their goals.
After the meeting, summarize the outcome and send it to all attendees within 24 hours, including those who couldn't attend. This summary should be brief and include who was there, what was decided, and who does what, by when. It's also important to review any off-topic items that were parked during the meeting and to provide individual feedback on meeting contributions.
By following these steps, you can ensure that your faculty meetings are efficient, effective, and productive. If you're looking for a way to structure your next meeting, check out the template below.