Absolutely! Teaching is personal and teachers pour themselves into what they do. If teachers' morale is at the forefront students benefit. High staff morale means teachers are excited to come to work. They are excited to teach a new lesson. Students are engaged because the lessons have been planned. Even though the work is hard teachers working in a positive school climate know that hard work does not go unnoticed.
Increasing staff morale doesn't always mean teacher treats. Treats definitely help though! Increasing staff morale also includes valuing thoughts, opinions, etc. of your teachers. In other words give teachers voice and choice. Trust their judgement and methods. Invite your teachers to the table.
Do I really need to boost staff morale? Yes, I think you do. As an assistant principal I learned that an act of service towards your faculty lets them know you value the work they are doing. I carried these ideas of service into my own principalship to a school that had not been the recipient of these treats. The teachers were so appreciative of being honored and noticed! Sometimes the ways to motivate staff may be as simple as early out passes or jeans days; however at other times you may want to shower your faculty with something that has a little more depth. Lunch is ALWAYS a HUGE hit! Teachers don't get to leave for lunch and take a break. They are always on. Give them the gift of a special lunch without students.
