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Going Above and Beyond

The school year is underway for most of you, and I am hopeful it is going well. If that is the case, then you should consider rewarding the people who are making that happen. Undoubtedly, you have staff members who do much more than asked of them without expecting anything in return. Maybe you can give them one of these "above and beyond" awards.

EXTRA-MILER AWARD

Diane Hodges An award-winning educator, highly acclaimed speaker, and bestselling author, Dr. Diane Hodges' weekly Looking Forward to Monday Morning columns present a wealth of ideas administrators can use to drive staff members happy! Diane is a frequent speaker at national and state conferences, including those of the national principal associations (NAESP, NASSP). In high-energy, humorous sessions, she unleashes dozens of ideas for promoting staff recognition and appreciation and for creating a climate of fun in the workplace. In addition, schools and school districts frequently call on Diane to share ways in which staff members can create more fun and appreciation for one another… in just minutes a day. Diane is the bestselling author of Looking Forward to Monday Morning, Looking Forward to MORE Monday Mornings, Quote This!, Laugh Lines for Educators, and Grin and Share It! -- all published by Corwin Press. You can learn more about Diane, purchase her books, or book her for a presentation in your school or district at dianehodges.com.

One school district shared that their Board of Education recognizes employees who do their share and then go "the extra mile." Staff members use a form to nominate a colleague for the Extra Miler Award. The form even includes on it the names of all the previous award winners who still work in the district. Winners receive a framed copy of the Extra Miler resolution approved by the Board, a cloisonné pin of the Flag of Learning and Liberty, and a gift certificate donated by a local restaurant. In addition, an article about the individual is submitted for publication in the local newspaper. For our colleagues in countries that use the metric system of measurement, call the award the Extra Kilometer Award.

POWER OF ONE AWARD

This award is given to a staff person who makes a difference in someone's life. For example, when I was giving a presentation for the Lake County (Illinois) Education to Careers Program, the custodian told me he was a volunteer firefighter and had recently saved the life of a three-month-old child. He would be a worthy recipient of this award! Surely, you can think of some people who demonstrate a measure of caring that goes way above and beyond to make them worthy of the award too.

RED APPLE AWARD

This award is given twice each year to employees who have contributed beyond what is considered to be their jobs. Award winners are selected by the superintendent, principals, and/or directors. The recipients are give a "Red Apple" pin and are featured in a newsletter article.

SUPERINTENDENT'S AWARD

A plaque is presented to a staff member for outstanding contributions in the area of community-school relations.

QUOTE THIS!

One looks back with appreciation to the brilliant teachers, but with gratitude to those who touched our human feeling. The curriculum is so much necessary raw material, but warmth is the vital element for the growing plant and for the soul of the child.
~ Carl Jung

Find more quotes for educators in my book Quote This!

Drive your staff happy!
Diane

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