Teachers know Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs is important in the classroom. We understand that addressing students’ needs at the base level is important to enable them to progress to higher levels of motivation. This leads to more progress and development. I really like the work of Dr Brad Johnson in applying this psychological theory to teachers as well.

This hierarchy of needs really resonates with me. Alarm bells start ringing when I hear lots of “us” and “them” comments referring to leaders and staff. When there is a void developing between the leadership and the staff, the school culture needs urgent attention.

The key philosophy of the leadership team should be ‘service leadership’.

How can leaders provide the best possible opportunity for teachers to be successful in the classroom? Ultimately it is in the classroom where the magic happens.

For teachers to do their best work they need the safety and resources in the base level, the emotional connection, respect and appreciating in the mid-tier and the trust to have the autonomy and flexibility to maximise potential at the top level.

These tiers help optimise the school. 😃