Monday, October 29, 2012
Supportive Teams
I always think back to what if I didn't have the professional support system that is in place for me as an educator. I believe that although I am internally motivated to succeed in my profession, it is my team around me who continue to help me grow as a professional. My collaborative team helps guide me tio draw my own conclusions out of my practice, make decisions, and support both myself and my students when needed. I am thankful for this system, as if I didn't have it I believe my job would be different. There has been plenty of PLC talk as of late, and I see this post as a continuation of this concept. My team, in its' own way, is a PLC.
- James
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I would whole heartedly support your statement. The 7th grade English team has always been very supportive, and again this year, despite being at separate buildings, I am finding that we are working collaboratively again to help our students succeed. The "failure is not an option" motto has really taken hold in 7th grade. We are retesting and reteaching more this year than I ever have in the past. That is only thanks to our team collaboration. I could not write retests and think creatively enough to reach all my students without my team.
ReplyDeleteAlso, I love being a part of a 7th grade team. I think the ability to watch students from class to class helps us target problems more quickly. Working together to develop relationships with students is not only more helpful to them, it also makes reaching our challenging kids easier and more fun.
At West or the Pearson center, how are you liking your grade level teams this year? Do you wish you were more able to do that at other grades, or do you think at higher levels the strategy is less effective?
After working at a couple different schools and districts I can honestly say that the team you work with can make or break how your year goes as well as how you feel about your job. I feel I am an easy person to get along with and I tend to stay neutral in situations, but I have been on teams in other schools where not everyone gives each other this respect and support. More time is spent criticizing others and not wanting to share ideas and is the opposite of collaborative. I have noticed a difference in student achievement when I have been on teams where they work together, encourage each other and put the students needs first. When the overall mood is more positive teachers are more creative and openly share ideas and it shows to students in the classroom. And of course when I was on teams that were supportive of each other that's when we all grew the most as educators.
ReplyDeleteAlison, I definitely agree with your statement of if the overall mood is more positive, teachers are more creative and openly share ideas. I think when you have a team that gets a long, has fun together, and respects each other- you are more excited about collaborating. And more willing to try new, exciting ideas. It's unfortunate that in some situations it's the opposite. If you have a dominate personality, or a negative team member, it tends to make people want to back off of collaborating in general.
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