Building Better Schools by Engaging Support Staff

According to the National School Public Relations Association, it is not the teachers, administration, or local press that are the primary source of information about schools. The most important source of information and "feel" about a school is the support staff - the custodians, bus drivers, nurses, secretaries, and teacher's aides! If you are one of these hidden heroes, this book is for you. Learn how to build upon the universal principles of engagement to become a critical link in your school's success. Discover how to become a frontline ambassador, applying the principles of customer service to deal with families, students, and staff. You will even have your boss eating out of your hand! This book, co-authored by Engage Institute CEO Sam Bartlett and a school administrator Vie Herlocker, builds upon the Institute's work with schools, implementing research-based family engagement strategies to create measurable increases in student achievement. Chapters include professionalism, goal setting, communicating effectively, being a team player, and dealing constructively with conflict and change. Included are powerful stories of twenty-one Engaged Ambassadors who share how they make a difference in their schools and communities every day.