ABSTRACT
Meetings in school matter because they affect how teachers and their colleagues feel about their work and how well they provide for pupils. This chapter provides recommendations about how meetings can be chaired effectively. It is suggested that each agenda item's specific purpose be made clear. The chapter gives guidance to the teachers about what to avoid and what to focus on. Successful teaching and learning rely on teachers looking inward and outward in critically constructive ways. Morale and energy depend on relationships, and relationships are developed or thwarted in meetings. Well-run meetings and good routines facilitate constructive relationships and open communication, both of which are vital to high-quality performance and job satisfaction. The effectiveness of meetings is transformed by everyone's being clear about what a meeting, or any part of a meeting, is intended to achieve, whether it be to give information, to discuss something or to decide something.
