I had the opportunity last week to talk with two experienced teachers in a different districts than myself. After talking with both of them I spent a lot of time this weekend thinking about many things that we discussed. Our districts are completely different, but we were still able to share our experiences and connect on our common goal, helping students learn. There was one difference (well many, but one that really stuck with me) which both these teachers had at their districts that DISD does not, a core belief in building relationships. Understand people, connect with them, and help them grow. Relationships forge pathways for us to trust each other and feel comfortable to grow. Too often we approach coaching as robots and apply a one-system fits all too each teacher. Teachers are different, just like are students.
At the core of building any successful team there has to be trust. I have never attended a training in district that stressed building relationships or how to understand the value of your team. We always jump straight into sharing data and attacking what we are doing. If we want teachers to grow and importantly if we want teachers to stay, we should build those relationships. If you are any type of administrator, department chair, instructional coach, etc. you are a school LEADER. That means you need to lead, not just manage. Teachers are leaving, and just at the end of the year, but in the middle. Why? Because they are not supported, they have no connection to the school, and they see opportunities elsewhere. A relationship is a powerful tool, and a tool many are not using.
At the core of building any successful team there has to be trust. I have never attended a training in district that stressed building relationships or how to understand the value of your team. We always jump straight into sharing data and attacking what we are doing. If we want teachers to grow and importantly if we want teachers to stay, we should build those relationships. If you are any type of administrator, department chair, instructional coach, etc. you are a school LEADER. That means you need to lead, not just manage. Teachers are leaving, and just at the end of the year, but in the middle. Why? Because they are not supported, they have no connection to the school, and they see opportunities elsewhere. A relationship is a powerful tool, and a tool many are not using.
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