Over the course of my professional journey, I’ve witnessed great educators doing exceptional things amidst the changes that the educational landscape has brought to them. The finest educators and leaders I have ever known harness the people around them to contribute their expertise to the team. They view every person as a puzzle piece that contributes to a bigger picture. 

A Shift in Perspective

As my career has progressed, I’ve found myself less impressed by educators’ ability to deliver flashy presentations or their depth of knowledge in their field. Instead, I’ve become deeply intrigued by their capacity to include others in crucial discussions prior to making decisions, their active commitment to listening to the needs of their learning communities, and their dedication to ensuring everyone has a seat at the table. They embrace a variety of perspectives, ensuring the ideas can continue to propel a school district’s mission, vision, and priorities forward.  I think we have all experienced moments where our voices felt ignored, leaving us disheartened rather than empowered. As educational leaders, I know that we will not always be perfect, but it is crucial to ask ourselves whether we are creating spaces that illuminate the gifts and contributions others bring to the table or simply highlighting our own. 

Less Competitive, More Collaborative

I can vividly recall the echoes of my dear friend Stephanie Rothstein’s words, resonating in my mind: “Education should be less competitive and more collaborative.” Stephanie’s profound sentiments also bring to mind Shawn Achor’s insightful book, Big Potential, where he imparts a valuable message: “Success isn’t solely determined by how creative, smart, or driven you are, but by your ability to connect with, contribute to, and benefit from the ecosystem of people around you.” With this in mind, I pose the question: How can leaders nurture professional learning communities that harness the collective growth and empowerment of educators within them?

The Power of Teamwork

Achor’s wisdom continues to inspire with his notion that “there are certain things in this world that require the support of other people and should never be done alone.” This concept deeply resonates with me, especially this year, as I face a number of literacy priorities to continue moving forward. I recognize the importance of not embarking on this journey solo. It was during my time as an instructional coach that I fully grasped the significance of building capacity from within. After all, those educators working tirelessly on the frontlines possess invaluable insights and a profound understanding of the needs at hand.

Please don’t misunderstand me; I also appreciate the valuable contributions of consultants and external perspectives they bring, having worked with schools nationwide. Their unique viewpoints contribute significantly to our efforts in reshaping our approaches. I’m thrilled to share that with the unwavering support of my school district, I’ve established a K-5 Literacy Teaching and Learning Team. Comprising 13 dedicated educators, almost one per grade level in each building, their role is pivotal. They keep our grade-level teachers informed about our literacy priorities, share invaluable resources, deepen their comprehension of the curriculum, and collaborate with me in planning professional development opportunities. Together, we are forging a path towards achieving our literacy goals. I am looking forward to sharing some of my reflections about my learning journey with this inspiring team of educators through my writing.

Learning Through Reflection

Just last week, I had the privilege of gathering with this remarkable assembly of educators. To kickstart my reflections, let me express how profoundly fortunate I am to collaborate with this extraordinary team. Their dedication to education, the art of teaching, and the pursuit of knowledge is nothing short of contagious. It’s abundantly clear that their compass points unwaveringly toward prioritizing students in every decision.

Following some engaging team-building activities and insightful reflective conversations, I posed a pivotal question to them: “What types of professional learning experiences leave a positive imprint on your teaching and learning practices?” The responses were thoughtfully collected using the digital tool Mentimeter. Now, I invite you to join me in deciphering the patterns within the shared responses.

If you’re perceiving the same insights I am from the thoughts and ideas shared here, you’ll find a striking alignment with the sentiments I expressed earlier. Central to these responses lie the core values of collaboration, open dialogue with colleagues, empowerment, and dynamic, interactive learning experiences.

With this in mind, I’m eager to present actionable strategies that not only encourage collaboration but also ensure that everyone has a valued place at the table. These approaches are designed to empower teachers to thrive as cohesive teams:

Actionable Ideas to Implement Tomorrow

Foster Inclusive Decision-Making: Encourage leaders to embrace inclusive decision-making processes by actively involving all team members in crucial discussions before making significant choices. Ensure that every member’s voice is heard and valued, contributing to a holistic perspective. Promote Collaborative Professional Learning: Encourage the establishment of professional learning communities that prioritize collaboration, open dialogue, and interactive learning experiences. Provide opportunities for educators to engage in meaningful discussions and share their insights to collectively enhance teaching and learning practices. Create Supportive Learning Ecosystems: Emphasize the importance of building supportive ecosystems where educators can connect, contribute, and benefit from one another’s expertise. Encourage a culture of cooperation and teamwork, recognizing that success is not solely dependent on individual brilliance but on collective efforts within the educational community.

Moving Forward
In the book Lead From Where You Are: Building Intention, Connection, and Direction in Our School, Dr. Joe Sanfelippo shares, “Finding those who push your thinking and support you in the journey is key to moving forward–and transforming your school community into a group of potential leaders.” So, together, let’s commit to recognizing the power of collaboration, valuing a variety of perspectives, and fostering a culture of inclusive leadership. Through these actions, we can elevate education, unlock the full potential of our educational communities, nurture a future where every voice is heard, and every contribution is valued.