It Takes a Village

Q. It takes a village and no man can survive on an island. Provide examples of how you collaborate with colleagues to ensure the needs of others - especially students - are met.

A. In many of my recent positions have been a "singleton" - that is, there is only one Instructional Coach per campus, one Librarian, one Business Law or AP CSP teacher, one District Webmaster, etc. However, I have always held to the belief and practice that I cannot rely on my own voice to ensure I am presenting a well rounded experience - in the classroom, library or professional development session. With the prevalence of information and resources on the Internet, remaining connected with others in my field has certainly been more seamless than it might have been 20 or 30 years ago....though, even then I seemed to find ways to make it happen. Collaboration with colleagues - those in my same building, district, region, or field - is essential to my and others' professional growth and the success of my students, patrons and participants.

I remain connected with colleagues via various social media groups, participate in a state-wide listserv for librarians, and seek out others in various fields for conversation and collaboration.

As an Instructional Coach, ensuring teachers were provided opportunities for collaboration, helping guide productive conversations, and ensuring an equal presence at the table in professional learning communities (PLCs) was one of my most rewarding tasks. Collaboration does not come naturally to many and supporting those conversations is crucial to the success of the student and the teacher. It was also an opportunity for me to discover how I could help promote student and program success. Instructional Coaches from across the district also had their own coaches' PLC throughout the academic year, helping us perfect our practice.

Most recently, I have been a member of the campus' digital communications committee along with the campus' library staff and graphic arts teacher. Together the four of us compile, edit and publish a biweekly digital campus newsletter, manage the campus’ Facebook, Instagram, SnapChat and Twitter accounts, and manage the campus' web presence.

I have also served on various campus, district and community-based committees where the mission was ultimately to provide clarity in programming and promotion of the services and resources of that organization.