Middle School

Resources for Middle School Leaders

Middle school brings its own set of challenges for staff and students alike. These resources help leaders build a school culture that keeps teachers supported through all the ups and downs.

Printable sheet of On a Tough Day note cards beside two completed When Things Feel Tough cards for a staff wellbeing activity

Here for You Notes: A 3-Step Staff Wellbeing Activity

A staff wellbeing activity for a hard day

5-10 minutes

Two sheets of paper lay on a wood table. Around them are apple slices, jars of caramel sauce, and a tray of nuts.

Apple Nacho Bar: A Fall Food Idea for Your Next Staff Meeting

An apple nachos fall food idea for your teachers and staff.

10-15 min

A holiday present wrapped in red and white paper lays on a desk.

Classroom White Elephant

A staff gift exchange with items already in their classroom.

15 min

Printable holiday staff activities, including idea pages and a December 2026 countdown calendar, with markers and sticky notes on a green background.

12 Days of Festive Fun: Holiday Staff Activities Before Break

Holiday staff activities for 12 school days, with dress-up, treat, activity, and gift ideas

5-15 min per day for staff

Feather Frenzy Thanksgiving staff game printables: a turkey body to color, a cover page, and game directions with markers

Feather Frenzy: A School Team Building Game

A Thanksgiving staff activity where colleagues steal paper feathers from each other.

Ongoing

Printable Snow Ya Later poem cards for a winter break staff activity, shown next to a plush snowman, pens, and washi tape

Snow Ya Later: A Winter Break Staff Activity

A winter break staff activity with a traveling snowman.

Ongoing over winter break

Printed gratitude question cards, a cover page, and a display sign for a staff gratitude activity laid out on a blue background with a yellow tape dispenser and red paper stars.

30 Days of Gratitude: Daily Gratitude Activities for Staff

A gratitude activity for staff with 30 daily questions you can place in your staff lounge.

2-5 min per staff member

Holiday staff appreciation printables on a pink background, including a staff checklist on a clipboard, door signs, note cards, and a directions sheet, surrounded by mini wrapped gifts and markers.

You’ve Been Wrapped: A Holiday Staff Appreciation Idea

A holiday staff appreciation pass-it-on chain idea

5-10 min per staff member

Two women sit on a bench in front of a window and wall with children's drawings on it. They are smiling at each other and have notebooks in the laps.

A Guide to Stay Interviews

Keep great teachers by having the right conversations.

10–15 min

Find the Elf directions page and elf template for a holiday staff activity, with scissors, tape, pens, and paper clips

Find the Elf: A Holiday Staff Activity

A holiday staff activity with photo elves, prize ideas, and printables

Hunt runs over several days

Staff gratitude jar printables, including the cover page and 3-step sign, with markers, sticky notes, tape, and twine on a yellow background

Gratitude Jar: A 4-Step Gratitude Activity for Staff

A gratitude activity for staff that collects 1-2 thank-you notes per person each week all month long.

2-3 min per note

Dipsgiving: A Staff Thanksgiving Potluck

A staff Thanksgiving food idea that offers a twist on the traditional potluck.

Ongoing

Two women sit across from each other at a table. Papers, laptops and notebooks lay on the table.

Coaching Through Questions: A Practical Guide for School Leaders

A simple coaching tool that helps school leaders ask better questions.

2 min

A hand places a notecard with handwritten notes on it in a slot mailbox.

Appreciation Avalanche

A simple teacher recognition idea.

Ongoing

Positive Pumpkins printables for a staff appreciation bulletin board, including the directions sign, a cover page, pumpkin templates, and colored pumpkins with handwritten notes to colleagues.

Positive Pumpkins: A Staff Appreciation Bulletin Board

A fall-themed staff appreciation bulletin board.

5-10 min

Halloween staff trick or treat printable signs with wrapped snacks, tape, and orange twine for a teacher morale booster

Staff Trick or Treat: A 5-Step Halloween Staff Activity

A Halloween staff activity with 10-15 treat stations around your school.

15-20 min per staff member

Two women sit in chairs facing one another. One woman sits facing the other with a clipboard and pen in her hand. Other woman is smiling.

Coaching Conversations That Count

A process to guide teacher or principal coaching conversations that celebrate and support.

10 min

Two woman stand in a library. They high-five each other.

High Five Friday

An activity to spark quick check-ins and conversations while offering a small reward.

Ongoing

A woman stands in front of a white pegboard with posters taped to it. Assorted office supplies are on the table in front of the pegboard.

Year of Thanks: Year-Round Teacher Recognition for Every Team

A yearlong staff recognition system that spotlights a different department or grade level each month.

Varies

A small cart with a glass jar, plant, pens and notes sits in front of a white wall. A poster above the card says "joy jar." A hand reaches in to drop a note in the jar.

Joy Jar: A Month-Long Staff Wellness Activity for Schools

A month-long activity where staff write down joyful moments and add them to a shared jar.

Ongoing

Notecards with handwritten notes on them lay diagonally on a light blue background.

Gratitude & Celebration: Teacher Appreciation Note Templates

Printable postcards for school leaders to thank staff in writing.

3-5 min

Four people sit around a table scattered with papers with images of food on them.

Soup, Salad, or Sandwich Game: A Staff Icebreaker

A quick warmup at the start of a staff meeting or gathering to get people talking.

10-15 min

Several sheets of paper, one with writing on it, sit on a wooden desk. A blue pen, sticky notes, jar of pens, small plant, and coffee cup are placed around the paper.

TGIF Reflection: An End-of-Week Teacher Activity

A simple end-of-week reflection that helps staff reflect on positive moments.

5–10 min

A paper that says "place found pumpkins here" sits on a table with a pumpkin next to it. A hand places small pumpkins in a jar.

Mini Hunt: A Fall Employee Engagement Activity for Your School

A playful staff appreciation activity where teachers search the school for hidden pumpkins or leaves.

Ongoing

A white, stuffed alpaca sits on a shelf in front of green and purple bulletin boards. A handwritten note is propped up in front of the alapca.

Mascot Pass: A Weekly Teacher Appreciation Activity

A weekly recognition tradition that keeps appreciation moving all year long.

5 min

A notecard with a written note, scissor, and paper clips lay on a green background.

9 Ways to Welcome New Teachers and Staff to Your School

Pick the ideas that fit your team and your style.

Ongoing

Six pieces of paper are taped to a white wall with colorful sticky notes placed all around. Two people reach in from each side to place more sticky notes.

Sticky Note Staff Check-In

An easy way to ask your staff how they’re doing.

10–15 min

A poster that says "I've been booed" Is taped on a glass door. A hand holds a Halloween bag and small note.

You've Been Booed: A Halloween Activity for School Staff

A teacher recognition idea keeps a fun BOO chain of treats and notes moving.

Ongoing

Four notecards taped to a desk chair. The chair is in front of a white desk with papers and jar of pencils.

Desk Drops & Daily Joy: Small Surprises that Boost Teacher Morale

A toolkit for school leaders to show appreciation, strengthen staff connection, and celebrate the everyday.

Ongoing

Two women sit at a table looking at each other and smiling. Pens, paper and coffee cups are on the table. There is a shelf with books and school supplies in the background.

One-on-One Meeting Template for Principals

A simple way to connect, listen, and grow with your team.

15 min

Two women sit on a couch in an office smiling and talking. One woman holds a coffee mug and one holds a clipboard and pen.

Staff Communication Strategies for Every School Leader

A practical guide to four communication strategies school leaders can use in everyday moments

10-15 min

A stack of small paper coupons lay in a blue container with a pair of scissors on the side. On a bright green background.

Reward & Recognize: Printable Teacher Award Coupons

Printable recognition your staff will want to cash in.

Ongoing

Several sheets of paper a clipboard, tape dispenser, and pencil lay on a green bac

Teacher Check-In Tracker: Stay Connected With Every Staff Member

A simple staff and teacher wellbeing system for tracking check-ins.

1-2 min

Someone passes a coupon on to another person in front of a white desk with a plan and pens on it.

Take Ten: A Mental Health Break for Teachers During the School Day

A simple way for school leaders to give teachers and staff a 10–15 minute break during the school day.

10–15 min

Mini bottles of water, drink packets, and a water bottle sits on a wood shelf. A hand reaches in from the right to grab a drink packet.

Hydration Boost: A Month-Long Wellness Challenge for School Staff

A month-long habit challenge that gets staff drinking more water together.

Ongoing

Three people stand in front of a yellow wall with pens in their hands, pointing and laughing. Sheets of paper that say BINGO are taped on the wall.

Little Wins Write-In Bingo: Teacher Bingo for Your School

A shared board for Little Wins that add up.

Ongoing

A side view of a piece of paper with a plant vine next to it on a bright green background.

Center & Ground: Mindfulness for Teachers with 4 Practices

Simple grounding exercises for your staff to breathe, reset, and start the day steady.

1 min

Several handwritten notes are placed on a while bulletin board. Beside them is a whiteboard eraser in the shape of an alpaca in a holder that says "little wins."

Staff Shoutouts: Teacher Morale Boosters

A set of sentence-starter cards for quick, specific recognition.

1-2 min per card

An array of snacks in blue bags sits in front of a wall with a poster and blue sticky-notes.

Out of the Blue: A Snack Cart Idea to Delight Your Staff

A snack cart idea that shows appreciation to your staff with a fun, blue-themed cart.

Ongoing

A hand drops a handwritten note in a small tray on a desk. An open laptop, coffee mug, sticky notes and pens are on the desk.

Greatness Nextdoor: A Teacher Peer Observation Activity

A peer classroom observation activity for teacher growth and connection

10 min

A woman sits at a wooden desk with a laptop, plant, and writing supplies on it. She writes on a piece of paper in front of a brick background.

How to Know if You Are Effectively Communicating Expectations to Staff

Key questions for collaboration and follow-up conversations.

10-15 min

A laptop with logos for MagicSchool and Alpaca on the screen sits on a wood desk with a coffee cup and jar of pens.

How to Use AI to Build a Stronger School Culture

A five-step leadership framework for building school culture and staff wellbeing, plus AI tools to help.

Varies

Weekly Staff Newsletter Tips

Seven simple ways to write a newsletter your staff will actually read.

20-30 min

On a small round table lays a stack of children's books. Next to it is a sign-in sheet, and small pieces of paper with colorful papers on them. A colorful rug is in the background.

Read Together, Grow Together

A family reading activity that connects home and school.

45-60 min

One woman stands in front of a TV screen with words written on it. Two women sit at a table looking at her and smiling.

Spot It Charades Icebreaker

A silent, fast-paced icebreaker.

10-15 min

Sheets of paper, notecards, pens, and tape lay on a light purple background.

Hidden Superpowers

A chance for staff members to be seen for something beyond their job title.

10-15 min

A piece of paper that says "attendance bingo" lays on a desk with a calendar and open laptop.

8 Staff Attendance Incentives that Build Belonging

Options to turn consistent attendance into a shared moment of team recognition.

Ongoing

One person holds a clipboard with a piece of paper on it, and a pen in hand. Two others stand around, and all three point at the clipboard.

Common Thread

A fast, no-prep icebreaker where small groups race to find the most unique things they all have in common.

10-15 min

Three notecards each with one word on them are taped to a red wood wall. A hand reaches in from the side to tape one more notecard on the wall.

One Word Values Activity

A goal-setting template and activity that helps your staff start the year with focus and intention.

20-30 min

A man and woman stand facing each other. Each holds a clipboard. They are talking and laughing.

Together We Thrive: Team-Building for New & Veteran Staff

Find activities that build trust, connection, and belonging all year long.

15 min (per session)

Sheets of paper lay on a light blue background. A bin with notecards and a pen in it lays on top of the paper. A pair of scissors is next to the bin.

Shoutouts That Shine

A simple guide to recognizing staff on your school's social media pages.

5-10 min

Sheets of paper, clipboard, markers, and scissors lay on a yellow background.

Whose Clue is it Anyway?

A team building activity for teachers turns any staff meeting into a playful guessing game.

15-20 min

Three sheets of paper that say "team value ideas" streamers, sticky notes, and tape lay on a green background.

Establish Your Team Values

A collaborative staff activity that gets everyone on the same page from day one.

30–45 min

A hand writes on a postcard that says "welcome to the team."

Postcards to Welcome New Staff to Your Building

A low-prep onboarding activity that helps school leaders build connection from day one.

5 min

Two sheets of paper, pencil, and timer lay on an orange tray on a light blue background.

Expertise Exchange, Speed Round

A professional development activity where staff pair up to learn from each other.

20-30 min

Two women sit at a table with pens in hands. they write on notecards.

Quick Quarterly Questions Icebreaker

A quick staff icebreaker activity for reflecting on quarterly wins, goals, and gratitude.

15-20 min

Four women stand in front of a yellow wall placing sticky notes under pieces of paper that say "start, stop, continue."

A School Staff Exercise: Start, Stop, Continue

A start, stop, continue template that invites big conversations.

15 min

A man sits at a wood desk with pens, a coffee cup, and sheets of paper on it. He holds two pieces of paper in his hands.

SMART Goals for Teachers and Staff

A practical guide for leading goal-setting conversations that help staff grow, stay focused, and feel supported all year long.

20-30 min

A woman stands in a doorway to a school waving. Two women walk toward her.

Back-to-School Night Ideas That Families Will Remember

A list of ideas to engage families and students.

1-2 hours

A poster and paper that says "August 2026," markers, confetti, and pens lay on an orange tray on a light blue background.

August: National Holidays to Celebrate Your Staff

A month-by-month staff appreciation resource that turns national holidays into ready-made celebration moments.

Varies by holiday

A hand holds up a pennant that says "first day" on it. Blue sky in the background.

Celebrating the First Day: Fun Ways to Welcome Students

A menu of easy, high-energy ideas to make your school's first day feel like a celebration.

20-45 min

A binder with multiple sheets of paper and pen on it lays on a green background.

One Message, One School

A school culture guide helps principals plan a unified kickoff with scripts.

30-60 min (per session)

Sheet of paper, clipboard with a sheet of paper, notecards, marker, scissors and sticky-notes lay on a pink background.

Two-Minute Teaching: A Video Reflection Practice

A structured, low-pressure way to build a culture of reflection without the weight of formal observation.

30 min

A card that says "question bank", notecard and part of a clipboard lays on a light blue background.

Classroom Walkthrough Tips for School Leaders

A guide to making quick, 5-10 minute classroom walkthroughs count.

5-10 min

A man sits at a desk, smiling at a woman sitting across from him. Papers and a plant are on the desk.

A Quick Guide to Honest Conversations

One-on-one check-in questions that help school leaders open honest conversations.

15–30 min

A woman sits at a desk writing on a piece of paper. A man sits across from her. Notebooks, pens, and papers are on the desk between them.

Navigating Difficult Conversations

A practical guide to help school leaders handle staff conflict resolution.

Varies

Toot Your Horn Tuesday

A weekly teacher recognition idea for school leaders.

2-3 min (per visit)

A person sitting at a table writes a hand-written note.

Celebration Notes

A ready-to-print stack of little notes that go a long way.

Several sheets of paper lay on a bright blue background. To the right of them is a clipboard with a sheet of paper on it. Sticky notes, pens, stickers and tape are scattered around them.

Creative Ideas to Celebrate School Appreciation Days

A full-year calendar plus ready-to-use activities for each date.

Varies

A crockpot, stack of bowls, and spoons lay on a green table. Behind it is a white wall with a poster on it.

Crocktober

A crockpot potluck with a free sign-up sheet, a cozy way to bring your staff together in October each year.

30–45 min

Sheets of paper, notecards, pens, and a clipboard with a piece of paper on it lay on a green background.

10 Ways to Support and Retain New Teachers

10 practical leadership habits principals can use all year long.

Ongoing

A man stands at a whiteboard writing on notecards with peoples' names on them.

Staff Superpowers

One of the easiest teacher recognition ideas for building a proud, connected school culture.

Ongoing

Two pieces of paper pinned to a bulletin board with a grid printed on them. Green string connects squares from each paper. Colorful pens lay around the papers.

Connection Quest

A hands-on activity that encourages conversations and strengthens their sense of belonging.

15–30 min

Two women stand and each hold a small piece of paper toward one another.

Teacher Telepathy Icebreaker

A staff meeting icebreaker where teachers write words to match a colleague.

15-20 min

A poster that says "corner 2" is taped to an orange wall. A hand reaches in to place a list of questions below it.

Who's In My Corner Icebreaker

A fun, no-prep way to kick off any staff meeting or PD day.

15–30 min

Hands hold a small piece of paper that says "let's talk" on it. Several other small notecards lay on a table with notebooks and pens.

Let's Talk Table

A low-key way to connect with staff and build real trust, one conversation at a time.

15–30 min

A poster with "welcome back" sits on a wooden table. Next to it is a sticky note pad where someone writes a note with a blue pen. Scattered around are small bags of snacks.

Back to School Bash

A snack cart send-off to welcome your staff back and kick off the year right.

30–45 min

Two women sit at a table, one smiles at the other. There are notecards and pens in their hands.

Fun Fact Frenzy

A quick, no-prep staff meeting icebreaker where staff write surprising facts about themselves and the group guesses whose it whose.

2 min

Multiple sheets of paper, markers, confetti and tape lay on a table.

Teacher Celebration Styles Quiz

A staff appreciation activity that helps you learn how each teacher likes to be celebrated.

15-20 min

Two women hold bingo cards and face each other. Each are writing on the cards. Background is a multicolored rug.

Back-to-School Team Building Bingo

A fun staff meeting icebreaker your team will love. This bingo activity gets staff moving, talking, and connecting in just 10 minutes.

10-15 min

A person writes on the sidewalk with chalk. Message says "outdoor movie night."

Outdoor Family Engagement Activities

Outdoor family engagement activities for schools, from picnics to glow runs, that help families and staff connect.

30-60 min

Two women stand in front of a whiteboard placing sticky notes underneath posters that say belonging, safety, and voice.

Pulse and Perspective

A yearlong bulletin board for staff reflection and connection.

Ongoing

Two women sit at a table with a large yellow posterboard on it. There is a sheet of paper and markers, and the women are writing on the poster.

Team Connection Poster Activity

A collaborative poster activity where grade-level teams or departments answer prompts.

30-40 min

The back of a woman with long blonde hair in a black sweatshirt stands. A hand reaches in with a notecard and handwritten note on it.

Behind Your Back

A peer recognition activity where staff write positive "gossip" about a colleague.

Ongoing

Three sheets of paper with lists of ideas are on a white bulletin board. A blue boarder and markers are around them.

35 Fun-Raisers for School Spirit

Ideas organized by category, from big events to quick wins, ready to help schools raise money.

Varies

A laptop screen with Claude on it. A hand reaches near the screen.

Using AI to Lighten Your Leadership Load

Draft staff messages, summarize long reports, prep for meetings, and turn voice notes into action lists.

Ongoing

A sheet of paper with stars taped around it is on a white bulletin board. Two hands reach in and place more stars.

Staff Collaboration Activity: School Hack Day

A team building activity for teachers to brainstorm challenges and choose ideas to put into action.

45-60 min

Several sheets of paper with large words on them lay on a pink background.

Purpose Paves the Way

A quick team building activity for teachers using a shared staff bulletin board.

5 min

A man stands in front of a bulletin board with photos on it. He writes on a piece of paper.

Guess the Classroom

An activity that works for any group size and gives teams a quick look into each other's classrooms.

Ongoing

A woman sits at a desk with an open laptop on it, writing on a piece of paper. A brick wall and whiteboard are in the background.

Two Stars and a Wish

A structured peer feedback format where staff share two specific strengths and one growth suggestion.

10-15 min

Someone stands in front of a cart with pumpkins and orange treats on it.

Trick or Treat Trolley

A candy-filled cart leaders can wheel around to surprise staff with treats.

Ongoing

Two women place sticky-notes under four posters with "learned, liked, lacked, and longed for" printed on them on a frosted glass wall. A yellow table with pens and a plant is between them.

The 4 L's Retro

A simple reflection activity to celebrate wins, spot gaps, and plan what comes next.

15-20 min

A tea station with flowers is set up on a table. A hand reaches in and pours water into a mug.

TEA-riffic Teachers

A simple, yet effective staff appreciation activity.

Ongoing

Two sheets of paper lay on a white table. Small bowls of nacho ingredients lay around them.

Taco + Nacho Bar

Let staff build their own lunch and connect over food.

30–45 min

A colorful poster lays on a table. Scattered around it are small snacks, and a hand reaches in to grab a snack.

Sweet + Salty Potluck

A staff potluck idea that is quick and easy for people to engage with.

Ongoing

Papers are taped to a white wall with purple sticky notes stuck around them. A hand reaches in to place a note.

Sticky Note Stations

A simple way for teachers to share honest feedback and ideas anonymously.

Ongoing

A man stands in front of a table in a library reading off a piece of paper. At the table, two women stand and two women sit.

Stand Up If

A fast, fun staff meeting icebreaker where teachers stand up if a statement applies to them.

5-10 min

A stack of books and a sheet of paper lay on a yellow table.

Staff Book Club

A staff book club gives your team a low-key way to explore new ideas, spark conversation, and grow together professionally.

20-30 min

A red soup pan, bowls and spoons, and vases of flowers sit on a table in front of a poster.

Soup Potluck

A cozy, low-prep way to bring your team together and show appreciation.

30–45 min

Three women sit at a table in a library. They write on piece of paper and talk with one another. Notebooks, papers, and pens are scattered on the table.

Small Group Brainstorm Breakouts

A low-prep way to get more voices to speak up.

10-15 min

Two women sit at a wooden table. One writes on a sheet of paper. Notebooks, pens, a laptop, and post-it notes are scattered on the table.

Similarities and Differences

A quick, low-prep icebreaker where staff mingle and discover one similarity and one difference with each colleague they meet.

15-20 min

Two women stand in front of an orange wall. They book look at a piece of paper one woman is holding. She points in one direction.

Schoolwide Scavenger Hunt

A schoolwide scavenger hunt with rhyming clues to get staff up and moving.

15-20 min

Three sheets of paper are taped to a whiteboard. Around them are colorful sticky notes with writing on them.

Rose, Bud, Thorn Retro

A staff meeting idea to boost morale and end on a positive note.

15-20 min

A man and a woman take a selfie in a stairwell. A woman goes down the stairs behind them.

Quick! Take a Pic

A fun team building activity for teachers.

10–15 min

Popcorn Bar

An easy way to treat your team and say thanks.

20-30 min

Pay it Forward

A peer-to-peer recognition activity where staff pass along rewards.

Ongoing

A woman stands in a classroom in front of a large television screen pointing at it. A woman sits in front of her writing on a piece of paper on a clipboard.

Observation & Evaluation Jitters

A quick reflection activity with free printable cards for staff.

10-15 min

A woman in a red dress stands in a library. In front of her is a table with three women at it, two of them are raising their hands.

Mystery Staff Member

A fun back-to-school icebreaker where staff fill out an "About Me" form.

15-20 min

In a classroom, hands hold up a corded phone and a piece of paper.

Morning Mantras

A low-prep habit for school leaders: share a positive quote or phrase during morning or weekly announcements.

1-2 min

A bowl of jumbo marshmallows sits on a shelf. Three toothpicks with paper flags and names on them are stuck in the marshmallows.

Marshmallow Wars

A playful all-day staff game where teachers compete to collect colleague names.

Ongoing

A woman sits at a wooden desk with markers and a potted plant on it. She is writing with a green pen on a sheet of paper.

Look Back on My Day

A simple end-of-day reflection printable for school leaders.

5 min

Four people sit at a table. On the table are small notecards scattered. Each of the people write on one of the postcards.

Kudos Retro

A recognition activity where staff write short kudos notes for colleagues.

10-15 min

A man sits at a desk writing. In the background is a clipboard with a sheet of paper on it.

Supporting Teachers Through Challenging Behaviors

A practical guide and printable desk card that gives a clear plan for when they feel unsafe at school.

Ongoing

Several sheets of paper, small notecards, pens, and a roll of tape lay on a light blue background.

A Collection of Little Wins

An activity to notice the people, moments, and memories that make your school special.

15-20 min

A woman sits at a wooden desk with a jar of markers and potted plant on it. She has a piece of paper and notecard in front of her and she is writing on them.

Growth Goal Quick Check

Turn a quick hallway chat into a moment for reflection and support.

3-5 min

One hand reaches in to hand a hand-written note to another hand.

Growth Goal Celebration Shoutouts

A teacher recognition idea for principals: turn quick growth check-ins into staff shoutouts.

5 min

A hand-written note sits in a pencil and pen holders on a wooden desk.

Gratitude Notes

A set of free printable thank-you cards leaders can leave for staff throughout the year.

2-3 min

A women sits in a classroom at a desk grading papers.

Grading Grind

A quick reflection activity with free printable cards to help staff reset and refocus.

10-15 min

Two women look down at a notecard with handwriting on it.

Goal Buddy Pair-Ups

A simple professional development idea that builds lasting peer support.

5-10 min

A man sits at a desk in a classroom. He is looking at blank notecards and making notes in a notebook.

Glow and Grow Cards

A quick peer feedback activity for staff meetings and PD days.

5-10 min

Two women stand in a hallway on stairs. They smile and exchange pieces of paper with images on them.

Find Your Match

A quick team building activity for teachers that sparks conversation and connection across your whole building.

Ongoing

Two women hold bingo sheets and write on them with pens. A colorful rug is in the background.

Find Someone Who Icebreaker

A staff meeting icebreaker that gets people moving and connecting fast.

10-15 min

A casserole dish, utensils, plates, pens and sunflowers sit on a table in front of a brick wall. Two posters are handing on the wall.

Family Favorites Potluck

An easy way for staff to share a favorite dish together this year.

30-45 min

A colorful paper chain lays on a yellow table. Two hands reach in to add another link to the chain.

Family Connection Projects

A year-round family engagement project for school leaders.

Ongoing

A woman stands in a hallway smiling while another woman hands her a small piece of paper.

Staff Meeting Exit Ticket

A quick slip for the end of a meeting or PD session to capture takeaways and questions.

2-3 min

Someone holds a peach water bottle in their hands.

The PD Cafe: Wellness and Growth

A PD activity where staff choose a quick reset to an ongoing habit each week.

15-20 min

A woman stands writing at a whiteboard. Another woman sits at a table and makes notes in a small notebook.

The PD Cafe: Instructional Practices

An activity to develop professional development ideas for teachers.

15-20 min

A woman sits next to bookshelves as a table writing on a piece of paper.

The PD Cafe: Equity and Inclusion

A PD exercise to build culturally responsive teaching skills.

15-20 min

A woman sits at a white table writing on a notecard. A piece of paper, marks in a jar, stapler and water bottle site on the table beside the notecard.

Creating a Positive Mindset

A printable graphic that helps school leaders and their staff reframe challenges with a solution-focused approach.

Ongoing

A poster hangs on a bright green bulletin board. A hand reaches in from the right and places a handwritten note underneath the poster.

Collaborative Positivity Boards

A shared bulletin board where staff and students contribute uplifting quotes, artwork, gratitude notes, and school accomplishments.

Ongoing

Coffee mugs, to-go cups, a kettle, and coffee supplies sit on a wooden table in front of a peg board. A poster and handwritten notes are taped to the peg board. A hand reaches in to grab a coffee mug.

Coffee & Compliments

A coffee station paired with a compliment board where staff leave anonymous notes of appreciation.

Ongoing

Someone stands in front of a wood table with paper cuttters and office supplies on it. They place items in a blue folder.

Classroom Support Program

A list of tips for organizing classroom volunteer programs.

Ongoing

Small boxes of cereal, plastic spoons and bowls lay on a table. In the background is a brown wall with a poster that says "our staff is cereal-iously the best."

Cereal-iously the Best Staff

A low-prep treat that gives staff a quick break and a sweet reminder that you appreciate them.

Ongoing

A crock pot with potatos and small dishes with food toppings lay on a table. Two sheets of paper lay next to them.

Baked Potato Bar

An easy and filling way to treat your team and show appreciation this year.

30–45 min

A white board is covered in colorful sticky notes and a piece of paper is taped at the top that says "you said, we did." A hand reaches in from the left and places another sticky note on the board.

You Said, We Did Board

A way to visually display staff feedback paired alongside leadership actions.

Ongoing

Sheets of paper, clipboard, and markers lay on a blue background.

Sweater Weather Wellness

A fall-themed staff wellbeing bingo card with cozy self-care activities.

Ongoing

Small dishes of ice cream with spoons in them sit on a table.

Attendance Adventures: Sundae in August

A sundae bar gives classes a visible reason to show up together.

20-30 min

A hand places a small alpaca sticker in a jar of pencils.

Mystery Mascot Hunt

A team building game that adds a bit of friendly competition.

All day

A tray with stickers in it is on a desk with school supplies around it. A hand reaches in to grab a sticker.

Sticker Sneak

A fun, all-day team building game for teachers.

All day

A man holds celebrate flags outside a door and hands one to someone.

11 Teacher Morale Boosters

Fun, doable ideas for school leaders who want to celebrate staff and keep culture strong.

Varies

Several notecards lay on a blue background. Markers are scattered around them.

What's Your W.I.N.?

An activity that combines recognition and a way to check in on staff.

15 min

A woman sits at a desk with headphones on. She writes on a piece of paper on a clipboard.

Treats & Tidbits: Using Podcasts to Encourage Growth

A low-prep professional development idea teachers will love.

Ongoing

A bulletin board is covered in pieces of paper with gold stars on them. A hand reaches in from the right to place another sticker.

Four Square Responses

A simple way to ask your staff how they’re doing.

10–20 min

A laptop, set of gray over-the-ear headphones and two sheets of paper lay on a wood table.

Staff Podcast Picks

A collaborative activity where staff share podcast episodes focused on personal and professional growth.

10-15 min

A large calendar lays on a table. A hand reaches in to cross out a date that says "staff meeting."

The "No-Meeting" Staff Meeting

Low-lift ways to keep staff informed and connected without another meeting.

Ongoing

A woman sits reading notecards with hand-written notes on them.

If I Were Principal...

A quick staff feedback activity that gives every teacher a voice.

10-15 min

A bulletin board with a poster that says "moments that matter" on it and small notecards sits on a shelf next to two potted plants.

Teaching Triumphs

A bulletin board activity that gives teachers a dedicated space to share student breakthroughs, classroom wins, and proud moments.

Ongoing

A piece of paper with "bright futures" typed on it hangs on a white wall next to a window. Below is a string with small pieces of paper hanging on it with clothespins. A hand reaches in from the right side to hang one more piece of paper.

Student Success Story Toolkit

Celebrate student growth, recognize your teachers, and build a stronger school culture.

Ongoing (weekly or monthly)

Staff Wellness Challenge

A point-based wellness challenge that supports staff wellbeing through daily habits.

Ongoing

Two men stand in front of a whiteboard and write on pieces of paper taped to the board. A woman sits at the table with a cup of coffee watching them.

Staff Standings Icebreaker

A quick staff meeting icebreaker where teams guess how a coworker ranks six items

10-15 min

Three women stand in a classroom. The woman in the middle holds a sheet of paper that they all look at.

Staff Scavenger Hunt Icebreaker

A team based scavenger hunt.

20-30 min

Three posters with sticky notes next to them are taped to a white pegboard. A hand reaches in to place a note.

Staff Joy Wall

A simple display where your team shares favorite books, shows, and feel-good picks.

Ongoing

A group of three women and one man sit at a table in a library playing a card game.

Staff Taboo Showdown

A school-themed word game that gets staff laughing and competing!

10 min

Hands reach into a circle, each one holds a small piece of paper with an image on it.

One Piece at a Time

An activity to get staff moving around the building and talking to people outside their usual circle.

Ongoing

Someone reaches into their pocket to pull out an piece of paper with an image of a basketful of apples on it.

In Your Pocket Staff Activity

A fun team building activity for teachers with a scavenger hunt style game.

Ongoing

Four people stand in a circle with a colorful rug in the background. They each hold a small piece of paper with an image on it and the images meet in the middle of the circle.

Connect Four

An activity to have fun and build connection across grade levels or departments.

Ongoing

Hands hold up a small bag of pretzels and a small piece of paper in front of a white wall.

Snack Notes of Appreciation

Ready-to-go notes to pair with a snack for a fun, easy staff appreciation activity.

Ongoing

Three women stand in front of a yellow wall with bingo squares on it. They write on the squares.

Staff Lounge Wellbeing Bingo

A printable bingo board for the staff lounge.

Ongoing

Secret Staff Support Swap

A recurring, low-cost gift exchange gives staff an easy way to connect.

Ongoing

A woman sits at a desk and writes on a piece of paper.

One Thing Retro

A quick reflection activity for teachers to spot wins during staff meetings.

10-15 min

A man holding a clipboard stands in front of a woman seated at a desk in a classroom.

Quick Check-In, Real Connection

Ready-to-use one-on-one check-in questions for every moment of the school year.

5 min

A football themed poster hangs on a glass wall in front of a yellow table with snacks, paper plates, and napkins.

Tailgate Favorites

A resource to bring game-day energy to the staff lounge.

30-45 min

Two people stand in front of yellow lockers and their hands exchange notecards.

Staff Idea Swap Cards

A quick peer PD activity where staff fill out cards sharing a strategy, tool, or idea that has been working in their classroom.

10-15 min

A man sits at a desk with school supplies on it. He writes with a pencil on a piece of paper. Background is a wood wall with reels of paper.

Reflect & Refine

A set of ready-to-use reflection forms that help school leaders gather honest staff feedback throughout the year.

10-15 min

A piece of paper that says "pass the phone" scissors, and rolls of tape lay on a green background.

Pass the Phone: Staff Connection Game

Give staff a reason to notice and name the good things about each other.

5-10 min

A woman sits at a desk writing on a piece of paper. A whiteboard and brick wall are in the background.

Own Your Oops

A low-pressure way to address the small missteps that happen in any school.

5-10 min

Sheets of paper, clipboard, markers lay on a light green background.

Never Have I Ever Educator Life

A staff meeting icebreaker school leaders can use in minutes.

5-10 min

A white peg board sits in front of a white wall with shelves on it. Small notes are attached to the peg board. Two men reach in from either side to place more notes.

Morning Boost

A daily practice for principals who want to show up for their staff before the first bell.

5-10 min

A small trophy and prize cards lay in a blue tray on a desk.

Mission Accomplished: Celebrate School Goals

Easy, low-cost ways to celebrate school-wide goals and recognize student and staff effort.

Varies

A man sits at a desk writing on a sheet of paper. An open laptop sits beside him.

Finding the Joy in the Everyday

An activity to notice bright moments, jot them down, then share and display them.

5-10 min

Two people sit at a table talking to each other.

Would You Rather Icebreaker

Fun, quick questions that get teachers laughing, talking, and connecting fast every time.

10-15 min

Someone holds a piece of paper with "this" and "that" on it. People in the background stand to one side of a room.

This or That Icebreaker

A get-on-your-feet icebreaker where staff vote on fun "this or that" prompts.

5-10 min

Two women and two men sit at a wooden table writing on pieces of paper and smiling at each other.

Teacher Mad Libs Icebreaker

A silly, fill-in-the-blank story starring teaching life.

10-15 min

Hands write with markers on pieces of paper laying on a wood table. A timer sits in the background.

School Scategories

A quick staff meeting icebreaker where teachers race to fill in school themed categories using one letter.

10-15 min

Sheets of paper, hearts with images on them lay on a pink background.

Perfect Pairs Staff Activity

A staff meeting icebreaker where teammates match heart halves to find their partner.

15-20 min

Four sheets of paper, rolls of tape, and paper clips lay on a light blue background.

Jumble Jargon Icebreaker

A quick staff icebreaker activity where teams guess phonetic word jumbles.

5-10 min

Three people sit at a table laughing and smiling at each other.

Give Me Five Icebreaker

A fast, fun staff meeting icebreaker where teams call out five answers to a prompt.

5-10 min

A hand places a small piece of paper with a green shamrock on it in a glass jar of pencils.

Hide and Peek

A playful team-building game for teachers, with monthly themed picture cards.

Ongoing

Helping Hands, Happy Hearts

A simple staff appreciation activity where teachers share small requests.

5 min

Someone hands a small hand-written note to another person.

High Five Highlights

A staff appreciation activity where staff write quick shout-outs for colleagues.

5-10 min

A hand writes with a green pen on a small postcard on a desk filled with office supplies, a cup of coffee, and small plant.

Postcard Goal Check

A goal setting activity that celebrates little wins and big plans.

5 min

Free Favor

A set of printed coupons redeemable for small, personalized favors.

5-10 min

A woman stands in front of a whiteboard that has a poster on it. She tapes a notecard near the poster.

Idea Parking Lot

A way to give staff a standing place to submit ideas between meetings.

Ongoing

A coffee make, to-go cups, and a pumpkin bucket with candy in it lay on lays on a table. A poster hangs behind it, and a hand reaches in to grab a ghost coffee mug.

Freshly Booed Coffee

A fun, low-prep teacher appreciation idea for fall.

Ongoing

A hand places a handwritten note in a backpack.

5-Minute Ideas for Family Engagement

Quick family engagement ideas for schools, from phone calls to postcards.

5 min

A hand writes with a pencil on a piece of paper that has a calendar of September on it.

September: National Holidays to Celebrate Your Staff

A month-by-month staff appreciation resource that turns national holidays into ready-made celebration moments.

Varies

A woman sits at a desk with a laptop and vase of flows on it in front of a brick wall. She writes on notecards.

First-Week Frenzy

A guide with practical tips for principals for the first week back.

10-15 min

School Supply Bingo

A team building activity where you share daily riddles, and staff fill in bingo cards.

5 min per day

Two hands play rock, paper, scissors. In the background is a white peg board with bead necklaces hanging on it.

Bead Battle: Rock, Paper, Scissors Staff Challenge

A low-prep way to add some energy to the school day.

Ongoing

A sheet of paper and blue pen lay on an orange tray on a green background.

Staff Self-Care Bingo

A staff wellbeing bingo board to help teachers and staff build simple self-care habits.

Ongoing

Three women sit at a table in a cluttered classroom. They converse and write while at the desk.

Vertical Planning Guide for School Leaders

A practical guide to aligning your teachers across grade levels.

30-45 min

A man sits at a desk with a notebook, coffee cup, and open laptop. He fills in a bingo card with a blue pen.

Family Connection Bingo

A bingo card full of family engagement activities.

Ongoing

A hand places a note on a desk. Behind it is a gift bag and sparkling birthday hat.

Staff Appreciation Activities for Birthday Celebrations

Simple staff appreciation activities for celebrating birthdays all year.

20-30 min

An arm with a white wristwatch reaches in from the left side and a hands points to the watch in front of a white brick background.

Ideas to Give Your Staff More Time

Practical ideas to give teachers extra planning time.

10-60 min

Positive Postcards

Send handwritten postcards to staff as a quick, personal appreciation activity.

5 min

Man holds a piece of paper with writing on it as he stands in front of three women seated at a table.

Habits for High-Impact Meetings

A guide to help school leaders make meetings more purposeful and productive.

Varies

A man walks down a school hallway, and two women wave to him.

Ideas to Build Trust Through Transparent Leadership

Ways to share feedback updates with staff, build trust, and strengthen school culture without adding to your plate.

Ongoing

Two women write on a whiteboard underneath a piece of paper taped to it.

Creative Whiteboard Prompts to Spark Connection and Community

A simple way to spark conversation, build connections, and add a little fun to the staff lounge.

Ongoing

A coffee maker, coffee supplies, and colorful mugs sit on a counter. A hand reaches in to grab a mug.

Mug Exchange

A simple team building activity for teachers where staff swap mugs.

15-20 min

A basket full of orange colored snack bags sits on a desk along with orange office supplies. On the wall is a sign and orange sticky notes with handwritten messages.

Orange You Glad It's Friday?

A low-effort, high-joy way to close out the week.

Ongoing

A woman sits as a table completing a bingo card.

Professional Growth Bingo

An activity to encourage your staff to try new professional growth ideas.

Ongoing

A hand writes on a piece of paper that lays on a wood table with an open laptop and notebook nearby.

Strategies to Maximize Your Day as a School Leader

A practical time management approach for school leaders.

Ongoing

Three hands reach in to clink glasses that have an Italian ice drink in them.

Attendance Adventures: Italian Ice in September

A fun staff appreciation activity that rewards classes with perfect attendance.

5 min

A woman holds a piece of paper. Two men stand on each side of her pointing at the paper.

Riddle Challenge Icebreaker

A printable icebreaker that gets teachers thinking, laughing, and working together in minutes.

10-15 min

Several sheets of paper and makers lay on a blue background.

60+ This or That Questions for Staff Connection

Team building activity for teachers turns a weekly this or that question into an easy way for staff to vote, compare answers, and start conversations.

Ongoing

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