There are so many ways to support educators' good work, and when educators are supported, their efforts to support students well are enriched.
I've noticed many of these supports in place in the community where I work, supports such as the following:
Websites
Websites of essential learning/teaching information support execution of the curriculum program. The continual update of these websites helps us to teach in collaborative, timely ways.
Regular Updates and Information
Regular communication that updates and inspires educators about important information related to the work we do has been very helpful. Also, the thoughtful compilation of score reports has also helped us to analyze our efforts and make positive changes to meet students' needs.
Supplies
Many supplies have been delivered and help with teaching. I'd still like to see this system take on a more responsive pattern so you can order what you need when you need it. The end-of-the-year rush to order doesn't always result in the supplies you need which means you have to run out to purchase the supplies yourself or live without them.
Differentiated Professional Development
Today there are so many ways to learn. Our system provides educators with computers, funds for conferences and course work, in-house PD days, and release time for PLCs and other professional learning. This is very positive.
Goals and Objectives
The goals and objectives were shared early in the year which has helped to focus our efforts right from the start.
Thoughtful Scheduling
Our schedulers this year did an amazing job. We started the year with a terrific schedule that puts learning first which really helps us to meet the students' needs and interests as well as the objectives set.
Infrastructure and Tech Tools
Our tech infrastructure works very well, and we have lots of tech tools (Of course I want 1:1 laptops (or laptops w/tablet screens), but we're getting close to that at the elementary level. The High School and Middle School already have this. We are very fortunate in this regard, and this reality helps us to meet individual student needs well.
Summer Institutes
We have summer institutes that help teachers think and learn for the future, and also provide educators with an opportunity to share their learning and knowledge.
PLCs and RTI
Though I think we have room for growth with these models, weekly PLCs and RTI have served to grow our collaborative, professional environment and the work we do for students. The fact that we have time during the school day for these endeavors is very positive both for educators and the students they teach.
Voice
Educators have been invited to share their voice with regard to multiple initiatives that matter. This is important as it gives all educators a chance to share their viewpoints from the frontline, the work with children.
At yesterday's PD session, it was clear to me that we have grown a lot as a system. Role supports and direction I longed for are in place in many areas. This has empowered my direction towards the classroom and the students in a more detailed and thoughtful approach to the daily work and the long term vision with regard to teaching children well.
There is a temptation to negate change you've longed for when it arrives, but that is not positive. Instead it's time to embrace the positive changes, and move inward to the classroom realm and individual students' needs and interests. This is the area I want to develop and grow. Onward.
