I rarely send emails to my staff unless I really need to. However, when I do, I expect my staff to read it from beginning to end as there would be important information for them to know. It’s mostly friendly reminders and I tend to do them all in one email and send it rather than sending them emails every few days. A few days pass and I get the same question asked at least 2 or 3 times from different teachers. I look at them and bite my tongue and feel like saying, “Clearly you did not read my email, otherwise you would have known the answer to this.” Instead I put a smile on my face and answer their question(s). Sometimes there are instances where I ask my staff, “Where is this?” or “Did you not do this?” and their answer would be like “Oh oops, was I supposed to do give it in or do it?” Again I think to myself, “Really, did you not read my email?!” In a very hard but diplomatic way, I respond by saying “Yes, you were supposed to as I mentioned it in my email I sent yesterday.”
I am out every recess to check if staff are out on time and to ensure that they are watching and interacting with students during their supervision. There are times when teachers are not there and when I call them, the minute they see my name they pick up and say “ OMG I forgot! I am coming out now.” How can one forgot? I used to put reminders and post its on my keyboard and on my bulletin board so I would never forget. I can’t recall if I ever forgot my duty once when I was a teacher. I definitely did everything and anything to NOT get that call from my admin reminding me that I am supposed to be on duty. It’s all about organization and finding a way to remind yourself as a professional. Kids safety is our number one priority. When I DON’T send an email I have staff that complain that information wasn’t communicated with them. I’m not sure how to face this when there are some staff that don’t bother to read their emails in the first place.
So my question is, how often does one need to send out reminders? And why do teachers not read their emails? I used to make sure I read every single email that I received before I left school to make sure that I was on top of everything and to know what my responsibilities were.
Now here we are with a new year, new month, new week. Therefore, I shall send my friendly reminders on Sunday (tomorrow) morning after being on holiday in hopes that they all read it.
What do you do with your staff who doesn’t take the time to read emails? Do you send reminders? I would love to know your views on this.
I believe if you are a responsible individual then you don’t need a reminder.
I wanted to comment and I guess I thought I did.. sometimes as teachers we are overwhelmed with everything that is going on.. and some of us do need more reminders than others, I don’t mean a reminder every single day but about important upcoming issues maybe 🙂 but you’re are doing more than your supposed to I know that for sure!!
I totally understand about being overwhlemed been there, felt that and done that. That is why I rarely send emails but when I do its for their own good and to help them to remember things. But unfortunately, I still have a lot who does not read them. But I shall keep trying. Thats all I can do. 🙂