This week on Stumbling Through Work, we confront the unsettling realities of child care center vandalism. Hear the details of a shocking incident that left a preschool in disarray, Switching gears from crisis management to proactive planning, I’ll share practical strategies to enhance your preschool, afterschool, and enrichment programs for the upc…

Unchecked teacher behavior? We critique the responses of those involved and emphasize the importance of confronting problematic behavior head-on, ensuring a safe and nurturing space for young learners. Reflecting on the unchecked teacher behavior story, we discuss the headaches of firing underperforming employees and the ripple effects it can have …

What happens when an early childhood teacher oversteps her boundaries and administers medication to infants without parental consent? Effective communication is the backbone of any educational setting, and in the second chapter, we break down six essential types of conversations that administrators should master. Is babysitting undermining the prof…

This shocking incident kicks off our latest episode, where we address the crucial topic of safety in early childhood education. While I sprinkle in a bit of humor to lighten the mood, the focus remains on practical strategies to enhance safety measures in schools, ensuring a secure environment for both staff and children. Switching gears, we discus…

Ever had that moment where you walked out of a performance review feeling blindsided? We're going to explore the surprising realities of educator evaluations and how they can truly foster growth instead of dread. We're setting the stage for honest, impactful conversations that lead to tailored coaching plans, ensuring every educator not only meets …

Think back to a time when a simple lapse in attention could have led to dire consequences. That's a scenario no one in childcare should ever face, yet it's what we tackle head-on in our latest episode, where the disturbing trend of children being neglected in educational settings is brought into the spotlight. We dissect the critical need for stric…

Ever grappled with the tricky tango of workplace dynamics, especially in the world of education? In this episode, I share two educators who do not get along and how harmony in the workplace doesn't require friendship, but a collective commitment to the purpose of our school. Follow me : Website: https://www.jerekhough.com Facebook: https://www.face…

People get upset and leave... then try to come back. Nope, I'm not accepting you back with open arms. Follow me : Website: https://www.jerekhough.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stumblingthroughwork/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jerekhough/By Jerek Hough

We spend more time supervising than mentoring our staff. Are you guilty of this? Follow me : Website: https://www.jerekhough.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stumblingthroughwork/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jerekhough/By Jerek Hough

I've taken another online assessment quiz, this time for Conflict Management. To address any conflict in your school, you have to understand what your style is first. Here is a link to the quiz I took. http://www.thesmartworkplace.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/ConflictManagementStylesAssessment.pdf Follow me : Website: https://www.jerekhough.com F…

I thought everyone knew how to behave when you have company over... people don't care about that anymore, just listen... Follow me : Website: https://www.jerekhough.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stumblingthroughwork/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jerekhough/By Jerek Hough

How many times do people who don't even work with you ask about staff schedules? If you're confused, just listen... Follow me : Website: https://www.jerekhough.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stumblingthroughwork/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jerekhough/By Jerek Hough

Stop celebrating holidays and focus on seasons. How do holidays make all of your families feel? Follow me : Website: https://www.jerekhough.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stumblingthroughwork/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jerekhough/By Jerek Hough

How do you have a relationship with your staff outside of business hours? We can give our teachers too much information when they start. What do you let them know in the beginning? Follow me : Website: https://www.jerekhough.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stumblingthroughwork/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jerekhough/…

Who reports to you and who do you report to? What is the culture and climate of your school? Follow me : Website: https://www.jerekhough.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stumblingthroughwork/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jerekhough/By Jerek Hough

One of the worse things is to work with someone with a nasty attitude. Do you dress professionally at work? Follow me : Website: https://www.jerekhough.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stumblingthroughwork/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jerekhough/By Jerek Hough

Staff and families, do not go around me because I always know. How do you have effective meetings? Follow me : Website: https://www.jerekhough.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stumblingthroughwork/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jerekhough/By Jerek Hough

Then new school year is about to start! Get ready and hire good people! Follow me : Website: https://www.jerekhough.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stumblingthroughwork/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jerekhough/By Jerek Hough

How important are references in 2023? What do your references say about you? What do you say about a reference? Follow me : Website: https://www.jerekhough.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stumblingthroughwork/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jerekhough/By Jerek Hough

Does your school represent a multicultural environment in and out of the classrooms? Restraint is something all directors must have! Follow me : Website: https://www.jerekhough.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stumblingthroughwork/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jerekhough/By Jerek Hough

Directors have to work both "on" and "in" their schools. To achieve this, how do you delegate tasks to yours staff? Follow me : Website: https://www.jerekhough.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stumblingthroughwork/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jerekhough/By Jerek Hough

Are you prepared for Summer... it's a lot a change to your normal schedule. Do you have the courage to be a leader? Follow me : Website: https://www.jerekhough.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stumblingthroughwork/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jerekhough/By Jerek Hough

We have all experienced burnout. We have to get through it using stress management strategies. Which way is your favorite? Follow me : Website: https://www.jerekhough.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stumblingthroughwork/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jerekhough/By Jerek Hough

Recommending people to a job... how did that work for you? How do you prepare for a coaching conversation? Follow me : Website: https://www.jerekhough.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stumblingthroughwork/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jerekhough/By Jerek Hough

I wanted to share my experience as a director is what made me want to write a book. Is there too much focus on the wrong task in your classrooms and how does gender play a role in the class? Follow me : Website: https://www.jerekhough.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stumblingthroughwork/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jerekhough/…

Everyone should have a moral compass to assist in making decisions. Curriculum and Instruction are so closely intertwined in the classrooms and when one is off, the other will be too. Follow me : Website: https://www.jerekhough.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stumblingthroughwork/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jerekhough/…

How often do you evaluate your staff? What does that process look like for you? Follow me : Website: https://www.jerekhough.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stumblingthroughwork/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jerekhough/By Jerek Hough

Making a schedule isn't always easy. Lots of factors to consider. In 2023 we are rebuilding education as a workforce and isn't going to get any easier for the next year. Follow me : Website: https://www.jerekhough.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stumblingthroughwork/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jerekhough/…

Does it feel like your workload comprises of your job description and an "invisible" job description? Have you had to hear an awkward conversation between a family and staff member? Follow me : Website: https://www.jerekhough.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stumblingthroughwork/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jerekhough/…

Being responsible and a leader can be lonely at times. While feeling lonely, you also have to model learning for your school. Sometimes it is a lot at times. Follow me : Website: https://www.jerekhough.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stumblingthroughwork/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jerekhough/…

What is in an applicants application or resume? What does it not say? What hats does a Director wear? Follow me : Website: https://www.jerekhough.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stumblingthroughwork/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jerekhough/By Jerek Hough

Make sure all actions have a goal or reason for them... a purpose. Being on the phone can be just as impactful as face-to-face. Follow me : Website: https://www.jerekhough.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stumblingthroughwork/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jerekhough/By Jerek Hough

There is a huge difference between complaints and concerns. Are there solutions to one or the other? Follow me : Website: https://www.jerekhough.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stumblingthroughwork/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jerekhough/By Jerek Hough

What do you bring to your school? What background makes you unique? Always welcome new faces to your school! Follow me : Website: https://www.jerekhough.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stumblingthroughwork/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jerekhough/By Jerek Hough

Education is always growing, so are you growing too? What kind of families do you have? Follow me : Website: https://www.jerekhough.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stumblingthroughwork/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jerekhough/By Jerek Hough

I want a leader who makes a decision and asks for forgiveness than ask for permission! How do you navigate those families that want to be difficult? Follow me : Website: https://www.jerekhough.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stumblingthroughwork/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jerekhough/…

Do you have a toxic work personality? We all do; take the test with me to see your level of toxicity. https://www.truity.com/test/toxic-traits-personality-quiz Follow me : Website: https://www.jerekhough.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stumblingthroughwork/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jerekhough/…

There is a line between being rude and being direct. Is asking questions just as important as listening to the questions? Follow me : Website: https://www.jerekhough.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stumblingthroughwork/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jerekhough/By Jerek Hough

The worse part of my job is getting complaints... especially when they are over foolishness. Through all of this, no matter what, say what you mean and mean what you say! Follow me : Website: https://www.jerekhough.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stumblingthroughwork/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jerekhough/…

I am very easy to talk to about mistakes... we all do them, stop lying about them. I hope that you make a great first impression on new families!!!! Follow me : Website: https://www.jerekhough.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stumblingthroughwork/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jerekhough/…

Professionalism should be shown to get the job and to keep the job! How do you define what professionalism is? Follow me : Website: https://www.jerekhough.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stumblingthroughwork/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jerekhough/By Jerek Hough

Interviewing isn't easy anymore. My guest host Danielle Gibson and I reflect on interviewing post-covid, weeding through the nonsense. Follow me : Website: https://www.jerekhough.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stumblingthroughwork/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jerekhough/By Jerek Hough

When doing evaluations, make sure they are truly reflective and honest. Create positive habits for yourself and your team. Follow me : Website: https://www.jerekhough.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stumblingthroughwork/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jerekhough/By Jerek Hough

My last week consisted of training new staff members and establishing my high expectations. I don't think having high expectations is a problem, do you? Follow me : Website: https://www.jerekhough.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stumblingthroughwork/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jerekhough/…

Make sure that when you leave a job, you give at least a two-week's notice, that is the respectful thing to do. I witness some strange teacher observations, and we review my last week's blog post. Follow me : Website: https://www.jerekhough.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stumblingthroughwork/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jerekhough/…