Design

I’m starting a support group for the new hires in my district. We will meet face to face once a month around a different topic. I’ve created a list of topics to discuss, although this may change depending on the teachers’ needs. In addition to our face to face meetings we will have an online space via Google Classroom where we can continue discussions in the meantime and build relationships with each other.

My four chosen competencies fit very well within this project. In order to prepare myself I’ve been doing a lot of reading about adult learning, specifically in the area of mentoring (see evidence under learn section). I know that as I work with this group I will need to continue that learning and learn how to best support my stakeholders as well as recognize their strengths and abilities. Interpersonal effectiveness will come into play as we develop a shared student centered vision. The first meeting we will have will be developing our collective vision and goals as well as individual goals. I hope to be able to effectively lead discussion around our shared vision and help other teachers develop their interpersonal effectiveness.

One of the main goals of this group is to help teachers build relationships and give them a support system, so collaborate purposefully and facilitating collaborative relationships will fit in perfectly. I want to help foster good relationships and build upon each teacher’s individual strengths.

One of my leadership strengths is building relationships. I think that as I build relationships with these teachers we will be able to come together to create a shared student vision and learn from each other. I know that all of the teachers in this group will have their own strengths and unique differences which I plan on taking into account when planning our discussions. I’m sending a survey to find out what the teachers’ needs and strengths are before we begin, but I also know that it’s going to be important to get to know these teachers individually just like I would with students in a classroom.

Our group will be built on collaboration with once a month face to face meetings and an online component via Google Classroom. I plan on using ideas from cognitive coaching which involves asking questions to help teachers talk out loud about their thinking and reflect on their practices. I also want to use Critical Friends Group Protocols specifically ones on reflection.

I’m sending a survey to new hires asking for their strengths as well as what kind of support they need. I’ll use this data to adjust our discussions at each meeting as well as in our online group.

I’ll also reflect on my own practice by asking for feedback from the participants on the effectiveness of this group.

I have a great relationship with my principal and our curriculum director so I will be relying on them for advice throughout this process. I also have several contacts that teach in universities with teacher preparation programs that I feel like I will be able to go to for advice as well as my previous academic coach who ran the mentorship program at my previous district.

I plan on sending a teacher feedback survey at the end of the school year to determine the effectiveness of this program. I will then make changes as needed for the following year. I also hope to have ongoing discussions with the teachers as the year goes on so that I can adjust and make changes as needed.