Oftentimes there are so many processes and structures in place in order to complete required work, meet deadlines, and fulfill mandates that teachers’ feel they are working at maximum capacity. Teachers often wish for more time for planning, collaborating, meeting with students individually, meeting with parents, etc. 

Teachers want more time. From me, they need the willingness to provide coverage for their class. There is only so much time in the day and sometimes meetings need to happen during school hours. A teacher should feel confident that they can schedule needed meetings at any time. Teachers also require an appropriate budget to provide our students with needed materials for their class. 

As the Special Ed Supervisor, I feel it is important that our teachers know the background of the students they are inheriting. Information on productive and successful teaching practices for those students helps them to be prepared beforehand. 

It is hard to think of what my best teachers would need from me, not because I give them everything they ask for, but like you said we have all been conditioned not to ask for things. If I had to guess, I would guess they would want more time. However, the desire for more time might mean something to different to each teacher. There is a portion of my teachers that would want more time to work with colleagues, there are some that would want more time to prepare themselves for their work day and there is a portion of the staff that would want more time to choose what they want to do, for example leave the building as needed, or more time off. Time is definitely the one thing I guess they would all want, but like I said it would mean something different to each of them. 

When I think of my best teachers, I notice that they rarely ask for things. They usually just make the best of what they have. While a needs assessment might be offered, teachers won't always ask for what they need. I can see them needing things as simple as basic supplies to have on hand for the student who forgets their backpack, collaboration time with a colleague, or some additional support in the classroom like a TA.

• Time for collaborating with peers and preparing lessons.
• Provide the resources they need to effectively teach.
• Permission to leave school early once in a while. 

Resources and TIME. Time being the most important. 

I need to ask what they need or what would make a difference for them. I have teachers that are wonderful and always just get everything done. I remember one of them getting a large box in from Staples (we live in a very remote area) - it was items she had printed for her classroom! She was so happy when I told her to get me the receipt and I will expense it for her. Or sometimes it is just a slight change in the schedule. My best teachers will never request those things - they just work around what they have. I also need to make the time to talk to them - even small informal chats where they can express an issue or concern or even a small request.

The opportuntiy to turn key or provide PD. The opportunity for others to visit their classroom during lessons. Make them leaders for others to learn from. 

Curriculum or other materials that will allow them to do more engaging lessons. 

Our teachers have weekly prep time and PLC time embedded in their schedules. So I feel that they have time for planning and collaborating weekly. The time that they need is related to giving time by reducing class sizes and a full time class aide. This would give them “time “ during the instructional day to truly reach and meet each students individual needs and and teach with less disruptions. 

The best teachers need someone to bounce ideas around with. We have tough students. One way doesn't work with our students. Our best teachers like to have someone to talk about ways to differentiate instruction or how to handle different situations. Also, supporting teachers with behavior issues is a big piece to allowing teachers to teach.