Small Details Help Tremendously

One of the most rewarding parts of my job is responding to teacher email, as promptly as possible, to answer questions, solve issues, and share strategies.  I need a favor teachers of CMCSS.  It would assist me greatly…so I know it would assist others of us who work with everyone in the district if all users of our exchange server would add a signature line to your email.

Okay, what is Helen talking about?  A signature line goes immediately under the content of any email you send.  I often need to know which school a particular teacher is working from when I create a response.  When a teacher uses a signature at the end of their email they can not only put their school; but also, the grade(s) or subject(s) they are responsible for in instruction.  You can also add a thought for the day type line.  This sounds trifle, and yet the answer I send by return email maybe dependent on just those facts.  When I know that Bev Smith, Math, Richview Middle School sends me an email I know how to tailor and focus my response to provide her the fastest and best service I can provide.  If I know Bev Smith is asking a question but not grade level, subject, or school I may send her information, but for the wrong grade or purpose.

Helen, you have convinced me I need to add a signature to my emails.  How do I create a signature to appear at the bottom of my email.  Since we work with both Macs and PCs in the district the easiest direction for me to give you is when you have Entourage or Outlook open on your computer, click on Help from the top menu bar, last word on the right.  Type in Signature and press return or enter.  You will get detailed instructions for creating and using a signature with your emails.

Helen Gooch thanks you, and every other person that serves every teacher and every school in the CMCSS will thank you as well.  For those of you that already use signatures with your email…way to go!