Reflections on Teaching and Learning: Teamwork & Instructional Leadership

Now that the year is in full swing we begin the delicate balance of attending professional development, grade level meetings, maximizing our common planning time and of course, being in our classrooms actually teaching! A challenging endeavor!

As a principal I struggle with getting pulled in many directions just as a classroom teacher does. Today as I sat with my NISL cohort, I was reminded of how important it is to sometimes be out of the building and learning new innovative ways of being the best instructional leader I can be. The topic today, was you guessed it -instructional leadership and teams.

All of you are part of teams within the building, whether it be the Teaching and Learning Team (which is a leadership team), a grade level team, specialists team, special education team or a combination of teams. Today our focus was on High Performing Teams. Think about the teams you are part of and reflect on the following criteria of truly high performing teams:

Clear purpose and direction
Leadership
Effective team membership
Resources
Effective team processes, and a
Supportive Environment

An Instructional Leadership Team (our Teaching and Learning Team) is a team whose members:

Are committed to improving instructional practices leading to higher student achievement
Ensure instructional improvement efforts are aligned with the school vision and strategic direction
Work collaboratively towards specific goals and timelines
Share leadership responsibility and accountability for the effectiveness of the team's process and the school improvements that result

How are we doing as a whole? How are you contributing? Think of ways we can improve our teamwork and continue to move our school forward. After-all, as the saying goes - many hands make light work.

Next Week At a Glance
Monday, Oct 7th: GLM @ 1:10 Grade 3 with Heidi, Lisa at NISL
Tuesday, Oct 8th: 9:00 Judy Miller for Tech Meeting: SPED Meeting
Wednesday Oct 9th: Bullying and Conflict Resolution Program, Staff Meeting Canceled
Thursday, Oct 10th: Open House
Friday, Oct 11th: Early Release Day/Professional Development is Building Based: SMART GOALS

Articles Worth Reading
11 Tips on Teaching Common Core Critical Vocabulary via @Edutopia

The Habits of Supremely Happy People via Grace Scherer : )

Why Tough Teachers Get Good Results via @wsoeldner (EXCELLENT ARTICLE!!)

10 Small Ways to Make a Big Difference in Someone's Life via @Justintarte

Twitter for Teachers: You Get What You Give via @jlscheffer

Videos Worth Watching
Overcoming Dyslexia