Educators in Massachusetts have faced numerous new initiatives in the past few years. In general, the initiatives have been well rooted, research based, and focused on teaching children well.
Now that we're at the backend of the initiative storm, it's time to let the change deepen and develop with meaning and good work.
At the center of much of this change is the need for dynamic teamwork with regard to the learning/teaching team: students, families, educators, leaders, and community members.
Instead of fighting, despairing, or fearing change, I recommend inviting teamwork.
To do this, you need the following:
Understand Organizational Structure
Know who does what and when. With all these changes, it's possible that what you once thought was the organizational structure of your school, system, or organization, no longer exists and has been replaced by new roles, order, and expectations.
Understand Expectations for Your Work and Communication
What are the priorities for your role? What are the expectations for your work? What is the best way to communicate as you fulfill these expectations and develop your craft.
Make a Plan
The Massachusetts Educator Evaluation system requires a plan, and use this to your advantage by outlining a good plan for your professional work and development.
Strive for Balance
Create patterns of work and personal life that strikes a positive balance for health, family, friends, life's tasks, success, and happiness.
Support One Another
Look for structures, patterns, routines, words, and acts that support one another so that your collective work is targeted towards teaching children well with happiness, kindness, success, and care.
