Part II of "The Innovator's Mindset" is entitled Laying the Groundwork. Nothing is as important when trying something new as is laying the groundwork. Preparing people for a change, no matter how big or small, is no easy task. The most important element in preparation is involvement. It is vital to have conversations with those impacted by the change but it is more important to listen. I think that there are two groups of staff right now that are my guiding force in creating meaningful change- our building leadership team (BLT) and our newly formed school improvement plan (SIP) team. Each of these teams is different but their importance cannot be overstated. A brief description, from my point of view, follows.
BLT
This team consists of representatives from each grade level, special education, specials, coaches, and technology. They truly provide me the pulse of our school. We have shoutouts for staff, share concerns about the school, and work together to plan changes for our school. This team's honesty with me has helped us become a better school for kids every year. They take this responsibility seriously and our conversations always end with the understanding that we share one common message with our teams and staff.
SIP team
This is a brand new team made up of staff volunteers wanting to provide a clearer vision as well as a Literacy and Mathematics goal. The staff on this team all volunteered to join. We are in the midst of creating our vision (right now it is Striving for Personal Excellence) and determining grade level and school-wide goals. This is difficult work but each member of this team has joined for one reason- to make our school better for the kids. We have a good school, but the enemy of great is good so we still need to move forward.
Why do I mention these two teams? The members of these two teams are my ears and eyes when I'm not in classrooms or hallways. Their honesty with me is not faked. They know they can speak their mind and that we will work through difficulties and celebrate successes. We work at every meeting to build trust with one another and to share a common message. We are laying the relationship groundwork to provide us the direction and support to help our school become great. And we know that it is a work in progress but one that we are more than willing to tackle with a watchful eye on what's best for kids.
Jay,
ReplyDeleteI would agree as a member of both of these teams that we are able to make meaningful change through BLT and SIP. One of the reasons we are able to have such candid conversations on these teams is because of the relationships we have with each other. We are able to trust each other and be completely honest with what we say. It is a safe place to share our thoughts and ideas and voice concerns we have. I leave these meetings feeling like we have accomplished something each time and that we are all in agreement on the message we share with others. It's nice to be a part of team where things get done in an effective manner and everyone is respected.
It's all about building and fostering relationships. We are more willing to do things for others if the relationship is there.
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ReplyDeleteJay,
ReplyDeleteWhile I am not part of either of these teams, I have heard that both of these committees are beneficial to MCSD. I understand that it is an opportunity for staff to voice their opinions and concerns in how to make Merton a better community. Merton is by no means a perfect community, however the more we work together, the better it can become.
I do have a few reservations as to how the voices of many can change or improve on what we do. As a classroom teacher, personally, I feel very limited in how my opinion will be valued due to previous experiences. I may be told that my opinion does matter, however those are only words...but I digress :)
I'm glad we have both of the committees to continue to make Merton a great place to work.
Sometimes our opinions are heard and valued, but the decision that is made may be different than the expressed opinion. That happens in all facets of life, not just in schools. Continuing the conversation after the decision is made helps to provide understanding and clarity, in my opinion.
DeleteJay, because you make yourself available, and you are willing to listen, the walls come down. When people (students and staff) feel that they are being heard, they are being empowered!
ReplyDeleteListening is so vital to getting the pulse of our school. I'm glad that you notice this in me. Having a great school is not the work of one, it is the work of many.
DeleteJay, Your comment "preparing people for change...is no easy task" couldn't be more true. Change affects everyone differently. Excitement, dread, anger, frustration, and hope are all real responses to change. There is a lot of weight on the shoulders of those leading change. To do it well, it takes planning, heart, understanding and as you mentioned; being a good listener. You are available and willing to listen to us, Jay. Thanks for being one of our leaders!
ReplyDeleteIt is my pleasure to be the school's leader, but I cannot do it alone. I need to continue to listen to all voices before making any decisions. I know that I can count on you if I ever stop listening.
DeleteJay, your consistent presence in our classrooms is so powerful to prove to the students that what they are learning is important, important for even you to be sitting in the room! I appreciate that you also have the BLT and SIP teams to provide feedback and suggestions on making Merton an even better place. I have never had an administrator in my room more than you...even on formal evaluation years. Although it took me a bit to get used to it this year, I know that your frequent visits to my classroom gives you a great pulse on what is occurring in my classroom on any given day.
ReplyDeleteGet used to me being in your classroom, Michelle. It is something that is so important to me. I cannot be a principal from my office. I would only be a manager. If I ever stop coming in with consistency, don't hesitate to let me know.
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