Challenge: New teachers lacked an adequate knowledge of district policies/procedures. Teachers need to build relationships with each other to break down stereotypes of "new" vs veteran teachers.
Stakeholders—the association, members, partners—for this project and how you selected them.
We began this process by asking our superintendent and board member if we they felt this was a need in a meeting. (EVIDENCE on "DO" page) They gave us the go ahead to send surveys to the staff. Part of the survey asked if they would be willing to participate in this project. We remarkably had two representatives from each building with varying years of teaching on the team! (EVIDENCE on "Do" page)
Why is it important for your diverse stakeholders that this challenge be addressed? We need common ground for all teachers, so it when we are evaluated on job performance it levels the "playing field".
In what ways will addressing the challenge promote or support diversity, equity, and cultural competence? By becoming united as teachers, we value each others perspective and want all to be successful at their job. Not only promoting unity within the project but the product will create unity. This is vital that all teachers receive the same information.
Is it your intention to broaden the existing vision, values and/or culture of the association or to create a cultural shift? Explain. The mentality that new vs veteran teachers is very strong among staff. The idea that veteran teachers are "stuck" in their ways and new teachers are naive. By creating a cultural shift that all teachers have input and experiences that help build the group.
Why might this strategy be a viable solution for your challenge? Equal representation for groups and building will create a diversity and perspectives from teacher stakeholders.
On which two Overarching Competencies will you focus in addressing the identified challenge? Why are they relevant to for this particular challenge? Group Process and Adult Learning are my overarching competencies because I need to learn to value each teacher and work through problems as a group. These two competencies will help with other projects down the road.
On which competency within Diversity-Equity-Cultural Competence will you focus in addressing the identified challenge? Collaborating purposefully, we hope to implement a plan to overcome obstacles and resistance. Learning to work together on a common project will build relationships in the district. Since we are creating one document they will need to communicate and discuss the outcome
Which competency in the association pathway will you focus on in addressing this challenge?Community and Culture. This project will then be shared with other staff members which will build a community within the district. We have three buildings within the district and we need to break down those building barriers.
With whom will you work in addressing your identified challenge? We will have teachers that represent each building working together on this project.
Who else might you recruit beyond your own cultural and/or professional identity group? We have equal groups of teachers.
Which resources (people, money, programs, time and space, etc.) do you have to address the challenge? Adult learners need a schedule that works for them.
What resources will you need? The association will offer two coffee cards and prizes at the first meeting. Approval for 12 renewal units
How will you obtain them? Ask the treasurer of the association to purchase and email superintendent to approve this project for units.