Relationship Building

Make time for Relationships 

When it comes to reflecting on our school community I cannot help but remember Abraham Maslow’s Hierarchy of needs. I think this visual does a good job of summarizing his theory in behavioral psychology and what motivates people. When we think about getting our staff and students to reach their greatest potential, know themselves, and feel comfortable taking risks, or what Maslow would refer to as self-actualization, we need to be reminded that there are other critical steps that need to be in place before self-actualization and accurate reflection can happen.

The pivotal level in working with both students and staff is the level of a sense of belonging. The first two levels have to do with basic needs and in schools there are a lot of systems to ensure the safety and physical well being of both staff and students.  I would argue that the third level, a sense of belonging, is absolutely necessary and one of the most difficult levels to move through if an “us vs them” mentality exists your school community.

An essential strategy strategy that a leader can utilize in their toolbox is to make time to build relationships. These relationships include your students, parent community, teachers and staff. When you take the time to invest in others, a feeling of belonging and acceptance develops therefore transforming the culture in your school community. Relationship building starts with strategically having opportunities for students and staff to participate in low risk discussions and activities. Just as we do with our students, having staff members participate in conversations that are “fun” and non-academic allow relationships to begin to build and break down barriers. Find ways to strategically engage staff into conversations surrounding safe topics prior to sharing ideas about their personal and professional goals, their successes and failures, their hobbies and interests and even their pet peeves. 

Another strategy that leaders can utilize to develop relationships and a sense of belonging is to be visible. A visible leader is one who actively participates in relatively everything that you ask your teams to do. Especially in the beginning of your tenure, it is very important to show you are investing in the systems, policies, and schedules that are put into place. By actively engaging in being a visible leader, you are showing your commitment to reflecting on the practices that have put into place. This opens up dialogue and begins to build trust among staff and students. 

I would also share that celebrating even the smallest amount of success begins to bring individuals together. People are less likely to solely be focused on their own agenda if they understand the people they are working with, see their leader as someone who is supportive and visible, and celebrates accomplishments. 

With all that being said, relationships take time to build. The actions and what you model as a leader affect the relationships you are building in your school community.

What does the future hold for our students?

What will your classroom look like five years from now?

As educators we plan for everything.  We plan for the struggling, the advanced, the bubble, the unexpected, the expected, the motivated, the uninvolved, the dreamer, the creator, the list goes on forever.

Most of our planning also is done for a specific period of time.  We plan for the week or the unit.  We also might plan for the quarter or semester.  Having a plan is your road map.  It helps you see the path you want to take.  There will always be conditions along this journey that can accelerate or detour your trip.  

My question that we should take time to reflect on is-how do we plan for learning opportunities that have not been identified yet?  The technologies and classroom structures of today will be considered dated five years from now.  Think back to what you were doing  in your classroom five years ago.  Five years ago, I was using iPad2s in my classroom and beginning to have students engage in collaborative conversations using Google Apps at their table groups.  Today students in our school, are engaging in conversations with learners on the other side of the world in their Makerspaces.  Students are publishing work in their own blogs or using their own social media accounts to connect with one another in cafe style classrooms.

How do we plan for today to prepare our students for the future?  What learning opportunities will you provide today to enhance their chances to be successful in a competitive tomorrow? Technologies and learning opportunities are always evolving and so must the teacher and more importantly the leader.  We can no longer plan for just the unit, the semester the 2018-2019 school year; we need to plan for the opportunities that will be staring at us with bright head lights five to ten years from now.  As you begin to reflect on what your classroom will look like in five years-do not forget about your why and how will you ensure that your why drives your planning for the future learning opportunities of your students.

In two years my daughter will be entering kindergarten.  She already knows how to search on an iPad.  She knows how to take pictures and videos on an iPhone.  She knows how to engage in conversations using FaceTime and other video chats.  How will her educational experience be different?  How will we embrace what she already knows how to do with technology in order to better prepare her for the occupations that haven't even been invented yet?

While these are not questions i expect us to answer over night; i do expect us to take the time to understand the urgency. Time does not stand still for anyone or anything.