Sharing is Caring
To respond to the needs of our staff we must make connections and get to know them. We can collaborate on inquiry projects thus learning where their strengths lie and where they would like to grow. A TL must take the initiative and approach teachers to forge the foundation for a successful collaboration process. By taking this initiative we will learn more about our staff community and therefore where professional development must occur.
The best tools and strategies to meet the professional development of staff is to listen. Listen to their story and listen to what their needs are. Listen then evaluate the resources in the SLLC. Does it match what the professional development needs of the staff? If it doesn’t then we will need to talk to the administration and use our budget to acquire those resources.
Don't forget about yourself. Listen to yourself and do not collaborate so much that you end up burnt out and exhausted. Find that balance where you feel productive and effective in your role as TL but are also able to enjoy life!
Love the balance you strike here between promotion of all that's happening in the LLC and LISTENING. We can come to the party with an agenda, but if we are not meeting the needs of fellow educators, then what's the point? I came to a similar conclusion, that we need to hear what the staff's needs are first.
ReplyDeleteYou share some strong strategies for supporting others. I agree with the importance of listening to others and I appreciation your insight about listening to ourselves. This is something many of us forget to do! Some ideas from outside reading and research may have further enhanced your discussion.
ReplyDeleteListening! So important! Sometimes I feel like I talk and suggest all the time. I have been making a point of being a better listener as I get older and wiser. Making connections with staff is so important. I will use some of your advice as I embark on a new TL position in a school where I know very few people.
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