Electronic Signature: A Life Saving Tool For School Administrators
Posted: 3 yrs ago
Read time: 3 mins
A successful school relies on administrators selecting highly qualified teachers who can consistently raise student achievement and perform at their best. However, each year, many teachers leave the profession, creating challenges for school administrators who must invest additional resources into recruiting new talent.
Research on teacher attrition highlights that excessive workload is the primary reason for teachers leaving the profession, with nearly 70% citing this concern. This workload not only stems from regular classroom duties but also includes administrative tasks, with 75% of teachers reporting dissatisfaction due to these responsibilities. As attrition rates rise, administrators often resort to temporary "band-aid" solutions, such as increasing class sizes, which inadvertently adds to the remaining teachers' workload.
Fortunately, administrators can address this issue by minimising repetitive and duplicative tasks, often through the strategic use of technology. Implementing a reliable electronic signature platform, like DocEndorse, offers a cost-effective approach to streamlining administrative processes. Using an electronic signature platform, tasks like filling out leave of absence forms become significantly simpler. Traditionally, this process involves collecting, filling, and obtaining multiple signatures in person, which can be time-consuming. With DocEndorse, the workflow is entirely digital: teachers can request forms via email, administrators can set signing orders and roles, and all parties are notified of updates automatically. Templates can also be created to reduce preparation time for frequently used documents.
This digitisation approach can extend to other forms, such as performance management reviews (PMR) and records of concern, reducing the need for physical paperwork and saving time and resources. Additionally, going paperless aligns with broader environmental goals, supporting governmental initiatives and setting a positive example for students.
Electronic signature platforms also improve efficiency for administrators by simplifying communications with parents, guardians, and carers. During registration, for instance, administrators can use templates to quickly gather necessary information, avoiding the need to print and distribute hundreds of physical forms.
For permission slips-a document that a parent, guardian, or carer signs permitting a child to attend an event or participate in an activity-the traditional process involves printing, distributing, and ensuring the slip makes it back to school. The manual method often relies on students remembering to deliver the slip to their parents and return it, which can lead to delays or lost documents. With DocEndorse, administrators can send permission slips digitally in bulk, track responses in real-time, and automate reminders for outstanding signatures. This not only reduces the paperwork burden but also minimizes the risk of human error and enhances overall accountability.
The recent shift to virtual recruitment has highlighted the need for digital solutions. By incorporating electronic signatures into their hiring processes, schools can onboard staff remotely, ensuring compliance and efficiency without in-person meetings. This adaptability allows schools to secure top-quality employees for various positions quickly and efficiently, even when face-to-face interactions are not feasible. This streamlined approach not only reduces administrative workload but also ensures that all necessary documentation is completed accurately and on time.
Adopting an electronic signature platform like DocEndorse empowers schools to boost productivity and reduce the administrative burden on teachers. Beyond immediate cost savings, this approach enhances teacher retention, strengthens accountability, and allows administrators to focus on their core responsibilities, ultimately benefiting the entire school community. Additionally, by embracing digital solutions, schools can actively contribute to the DfE's sustainability agenda, promoting a greener, more efficient education sector.