Tuesday, January 31, 2017

Is There Room for Secrets and Surprises?

Secrets and surprises can sometimes make a birthday party or other special celebration lots of fun, but generally secrets and surprises do not support good teaching/learning efforts. Instead transparency and inclusion serves the learning/teaching team well. When we're in the know, we generally work better together and foster quality learning and teaching.

Too often some that lead initiatives, development, and growth are reluctant to include educators in the conversation in timely, consistent ways. Instead information is treated with greater secrecy and surprise. When this happens both time and potential is lost.

Instead, I support ongoing share and discussion. I support open, regular share of initiatives, questions, and efforts to inspire, strengthen, and forward teams. When this information is forthcoming it puts an end to hallway conjecture, and instead uses that time to empower good effort.

Our team uses this approach with families and students. Each week we share what we have done, what we are doing, and what we plan to do in our weekly newsletter. This keeps everyone on the same page with regard to teaching and learning, and it also helps us to anticipate any issues or problems that may occur and remedy those situations ahead of time.

Teachers are always thinking and learning. The more we know, the better we do. When information is not transparent, inclusive, or forthcoming, it hinders our ability to teach well. Don't you agree?