Part 1: Fresh Turf

When I took on the role of IB PYP coordinator the summer of 2022, our campus was a new playing field. Within weeks (and even days) of students arriving, we hired a first year principal and assistant principal, 22 new staff members, and our half-a-century-old building received a face-lift (basically, the carpet was removed from the walls). 

This fresh turf left a lot of room to re-envision. What did our school stand for? What reputation did we want to uphold or, rather, recreate? What systems needed fixing? How will we support new staff members - some new to the field, all new to IB?

I chose to see this as an opportunity to shape the environment we desired for our staff and students. A chance to define our values and establish a foundation together.

My opportunity was available through team meetings. At the beginning of the school year, I had a full day with each grade level team. Our campus prioritizes a substitute budget so teams of teachers get dedicated time to reflect and build upon their units of inquiry (i.e., concept-based curriculum).

How would we use this time? This was the question at hand. Truth be told, I was new to my role too. I had worked at this school for the past 6 years, both as a classroom teacher and as a talented and gifted specialist. I reflected back on my experiences of past planning sessions, our school history and culture, and the needs of our current staff to help me choose how our time would be most valuably spent.

Key Noticings	Playful Actions
Our grade level teams have new members with diverse experiences.	Facilitate connection activities that help build trust. Each team’s activities may be different depending on what you see beneficial for them.
Teachers have several other “priorities” topping their lists and occupying their minds.	Ask them what they need time for - let them help shape the agenda. Find the connection between their needs and your goals. When acknowledged and addressed, learners will be able to be more present and receptive to what you have to offer.
Teachers currently feel disconnected from the IB planning process, and the “buy-in” isn’t all there.	Simplify the process - make it useful and meaningful for them. Tap into where they’re currently at as learners.

Overall, my main objective was to develop a strong foundation where teachers felt connected to our school, valued for their strengths and ideas, and capable of leading.

Game time!