After reading "Our Iceberg is Melting". I decided this was a book I needed to share with my principal. Our administrative team is composed of the Principal, Assitant Principal, 2 Academic Coaches, and 1 Curriculum Leader who is also the AP Intern. This was to be the team assembled to "make a change" to the schools climate, and culture. We soon realized there was one component missing. We didn't have any teaachers on our team. As long as the team remained as is, there would always be the feeling of "US" against "THEM". It was agreed that we would invite several teachers to join us on a quest to make a differenc.
My principal selected the cream of the crop along with a few teachers who seemed tpo be very influential. The teachers felt empowered and we could immediately see a difference in the teachers' attitudes.
We went put on the limb by selected one teacher who is usually a complainer, but has a way of influencing many members of the staff. At first this proved to be quite beneficial. As time went on we started to regret our decision. While everyone's attitude about creating a more positive environment, she actually became more negtive. On the positive side, one member of our dream team, who is a teacher, has really taken on the leadership role of spreading the "vision" throughout the school.
I am so happy we decided to empower our teachers. They now feel responsible for helping to bring their team members up to their level. They are doingg this by making sure everyone understands the vision. They are also helping to establish that "sense of urgency" by discussing the data at their PLCs. Our school is sitting on an iceberg with many cracks. There is definitely a need to make a move. If we don't we will all pay the price of allowing students to "fall between the cracks". I am curious to know if there are any other schools sitting on a melting iceberg? I need to hear from you.
I think we have a few cracks in our iceberg. I think you are right, teachers need to feel empowered! Too often there is an us against them mentality. Teachers need to feel like it is "their school". We have a few teachers who have that pride and commitment, but we also have lots of complainers who are not eager to help with change. By empowering all teachers we can help to those who want to "talk about it" become those who will "be about it". Everyone needs to work to ensure success and student greatness!
ReplyDeleteJoyce,
ReplyDeleteYou all did the right thing by inviting the teachers to be a part of the team. It is important that you present a air of teamwork. Leadership, as we've learned in our classes, no longer is a one man show. It takes involving all stakeholders inthe quest to share the vision of the school. In order for others to have buy-in, they have to be included in the decision-making process, as well as the development of the vision. My school has always involved teachers in the decision-making process and it has been beneficial. Good luck to your school.