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As a school leader, you set the tone for the entire year in those critical first weeks. While there's no shortage of meetings, emails, and logistics to manage, video communication offers a powerful way to connect authentically with both your staff and school families.
Inspire and Support Your Teaching Team
Start the year by recording a personal welcome video for your staff. Set a positive tone with a genuine message that welcomes everyone back and outlines your priorities for the year ahead. This personal touch helps teachers feel valued and connected to your leadership vision.
Pro Tip: For new teachers joining your team, create short onboarding videos that explain internal systems, walk through important platforms, or provide quick policy overviews. Model effective communication by sending weekly updates to staff via Screencastify instead of lengthy emails – video messages are easier to digest and add personal connection.
Build a Culture of Sharing and Innovation
Kick off a shared resource folder where teachers can upload helpful videos they create – whether it's classroom routines, lesson introductions, or parent communication examples. This collaborative approach builds a culture of sharing best practices and continuous improvement.
Pro Tip: Celebrate early wins by creating spotlight videos that showcase how teachers are using Screencastify creatively. Share these examples during staff meetings to recognize innovation and inspire others to try new approaches with video.
Connect with School Families at Scale
Record a principal's welcome video for families that introduces yourself, shares key information about the year ahead, and builds a culture of transparency and open communication. This helps establish you as an approachable leader who values family partnership.
Pro Tip: Create practical "how-to" screencasts for common family needs – logging into the LMS, checking attendance, understanding school policies, or navigating new procedures. For families who can't attend Back-to-School Night, record overview videos covering what they would have experienced in person: curriculum highlights, school values, events calendar, and key staff introductions.
Create Lasting Impact Through Consistent Communication
The key to successful video communication isn't perfection – it's consistency and authenticity. When staff and families see you regularly communicating through video, they're more likely to embrace this tool themselves, creating a ripple effect throughout your school community.
Pro Tip: Start with one weekly video communication and build from there. Whether it's a Monday morning message to staff or a monthly update for families, establishing this rhythm early in the year sets expectations and creates anticipation for your regular touchpoints.
Leadership through video creates a more connected, engaged school community where information flows clearly and relationships flourish. By modeling authentic video communication from the first week of school, you're not just sharing information – you're building a culture of openness and connection that will benefit your entire school throughout the year.
