Collaborate. Connect. Learn.

I spent an entire day last week in classrooms....not observing, or doing walk throughs, but teaching.  I honestly think that one of the most important things a school leader can do is to stay in touch with the classroom and with kids.  It was an amazing day connecting with students and learning more about them and their classroom behaviors and systems.  Here is the story of what led up to this amazing day of learning.

Early last week, all of the teachers in the district participated in professional development in which they were given the opportunity to choose the sessions they attended throughout the day.  I LOVE that the district is providing that type of autonomy to teachers!  To follow up, I wanted to think of a way for teachers to share with each other everything they had learned.  There were so many valuable sessions that teachers attended, and I thought everyone would benefit from hearing what their colleagues had learned.

So, I hired a sub for the day, and the two of us circulated around the building, providing teachers with 30 minutes of additional coverage, apart from their regular prep time, to go to the library.  The library had been converted into a "learning lab" for the day.  There was chart paper scattered around the room with markers for teachers to make their thinking visible for their colleagues.  There were snacks and refreshments.  Teachers were encouraged to collaborate with their learning lab partners about what they had learned earlier in the week at the district wide PD.

The results were amazing for all involved.  Teachers enjoyed discussing ideas and concepts with people that they may not usually have had the opportunity to chat with.  They had a few minutes to sit down with snacks and unwind, which (as educators know) is not commonplace in schools.  And I, as the principal, had an entire day in classrooms, with kids, uninterrupted by meetings, phone calls, or emergencies.  It was a best-case scenario for all involved: students, teachers, and administrators.

I know I am only a few months out of the classroom into my role as principal, but this day confirmed what I believed to be true all along.  Teachers thrive when they are given autonomy to collaborate and treated as professionals.  Also, administrators need to work to keep that connection with instruction and students thriving.  I will be sure to include this learning lab set up in the agenda throughout my career as a principal!

Parent/Teacher Conferences: For Parents

Parent conferences are quickly approaching.  Educators truly look forward to this first opportunity to formally meet and discuss each student's progress.  The 20 minutes we have to talk during conferences seems to fly by, and it is often difficult to fit everything you and the teacher would like to talk about into the allocated time slot.  Therefore, I wanted to provide you with a few tips and tricks to help prepare for upcoming meetings with your children’s teachers.

Come prepared for a two-way conversation

Parent/teacher conferences are most successful if both parties talk AND listen.  The teacher will surely have information to present; however, this is also a good time to fill the teacher in on behaviors you see at home.  Often a child’s behaviors are not consistent between home and school, so providing the teacher with that information will allow him/her to understand your child as a whole person, not just as a student.

Review academic records

Before the conference, review your child’s academic work, tests, and other information that he/she may have brought home so you are prepared to ask specific questions about your child’s academic progress.  Prepare any questions you may have about areas in which your child is struggling or excelling before the meeting.

Come with an open mind

During conferences teachers will be discussing your child’s strengths as well as areas in need of growth.  Reflect before the conference on areas that you want to discuss with the teacher, but be willing to accept ideas and suggestions from the teacher that may not have occurred to you before the meeting. 

Talk to your child about how school is going

Oftentimes, your child can provide background knowledge as to what is going well in his/her classroom.  You child’s voice deserves to be part of the conversation, so having an honest discussion with your child beforehand may provide you with additional information to discuss during the meeting.

Focus on the positive

Everyone enjoys positive reinforcement.  Even if you may want to discuss areas of growth or concern with your child’s teacher, try to focus on positive aspects of your child’s progress or classroom procedures to help create a positive relationship between school and home.

I truly hope that parents, teachers, and students will walk away from conferences on a positive note with ideas and suggestions to help your children continue to grow and become successful throughout the school year.  It is a great opportunity to continue to build relationships between school and home, and I hope all involved take advantage of the opportunity for discussion and growth.