1 / 56

Teaming

Teaming. The Teacher & Paraprofessional Working Together for Student Success. Begin.

emily
Download Presentation

Teaming

An Image/Link below is provided (as is) to download presentation Download Policy: Content on the Website is provided to you AS IS for your information and personal use and may not be sold / licensed / shared on other websites without getting consent from its author. Content is provided to you AS IS for your information and personal use only. Download presentation by click this link. While downloading, if for some reason you are not able to download a presentation, the publisher may have deleted the file from their server. During download, if you can't get a presentation, the file might be deleted by the publisher.

E N D

Presentation Transcript


  1. Teaming The Teacher & Paraprofessional Working Together for Student Success Begin

  2. This online experience will discuss the need for the teacher team and the teacher and paraprofessional team to identify, develop, incorporate, and implement successful collaborative strategies needed to create positive professional relationshipswithin the classroom. Gaining an insight into key job duties, differing personality types, and the diverse communication and learning styles two educators bring to the classroom, are key components that must be united into one focus to achieve maximum academic growth. Previous Next

  3. Structure This professional development online course: • Will last approximately 8 hours; • Will consist of 4 sections (Job Responsibilities; Personal Style; Collaboration; and Unifying Philosophies) • Includes interactive readings with scenarios of classroom situations; • Will have Q & A sections to see how you are grasping the ideas presented; • Will survey your ideas & thoughts on the subject. Previous Next

  4. Learning Objectives • Job Responsibilities: Identify key job duties of the teacher and the paraprofessional. • Personal Style: Examine and identify personality traits and effective communication methods. • Collaboration: Recognize how teams with diverse personality strengths can effectively work together to facilitate a positive student learning environment. • Unifying Philosophies: Identify strategies that mesh two or more educational philosophies into one effective instructional focus. Previous Next

  5. Rationale Collaboration is the critical component for successful teaming in today’s society. In all aspects of the professional world, we see the importance of team work. In the academic world, two or more differing ideas, meshed into one focus, provides a powerful tool in the development, implementation, and assessment of positive student achievement. Working teams combine different points of view to expand a vision of what may or may not be effective. It stimulates elaboration, sparks discussions, focuses ideas, and socializes our academic and social environment. Previous Next

  6. WHY IS TEAMING SO IMPORTANT? IT ULTIMATELY AFFECTS A CHILD’S ACADEMIC AND SOCIAL GROWTH • Developing a positive and beneficial relationship between the professional educator and the paraprofessionals that work alongside them is critical for positive student achievement. • Gaining an insight into key job duties, differing personality types, and the diverse communication and learning styles two educators bring to the classroom are key to the development of effective academic and social experiences. • Building an atmosphere of motivational learning in a risk-free academic environment frees children to learn and perform at their ability. • Developing a positive academic, professional, and personal relationship facilitates a productive work place. Next

  7. Requirements for a Successful Instructional Team • Identifies key job duties and related responsibilities; • Recognizing and accepting differing personality types and communication approaches; • Incorporating differing educational philosophies into one effective academic and management focus; • Collaboratively developing, implementing, and assessing learner objectives and experiences; • Identifying and combining individual strengths to optimize student planning and growth. Next

  8. Relating Key Job Duties Before a teacher and a paraprofessional can become an effective teaching team in the classroom, they must first recognize the differences in key job duties. State education agencies clearly define job expectations for the classroom teacher. While many of the paraprofessional’s job expectations are also clearly identified, options have been given to the local districts and individual campuses as to how they may best be utilized in order to support student achievement. Relating these job responsibilities build the foundation of an effective team with a common objective. It is clear that the paraprofessional plays a valued and varying role in the academic and social successes of individual/s within the general classroom setting and under the direction of the classroom teacher. Next

  9. The Instructional EnvironmentDependent on the IEP Mandates The Teacher The Paraprofessional Develops and Implements Effective Academic and Social Rigor • Directs and supports a risk- free environment; • Develops curriculum that reflects emotional, cultural, developmental, and academic needs; • Develops, implements, and enforces academic and behavioral objectives; • Continually monitors, evaluates, and modifies as needed academic and social progress; • Communicates and collaborates positively within the learning community. Modifies and Adapts Instruction within the Academic Environment (Dependent on IEP) • Modifies and/or adapts individualized instruction according to student’s cultural, developmental, and academic needs; • Directs and supports students in a risk-free environment; • Facilitates student instruction and enforces behavioral objectives based on teacher design; • Monitors, evaluates, and modifies the student’s academic and social progress in accordance with teacher directives; • Communicates and collaborates positively within the learning community. Previous Next

  10. The Physical and Emotional EnvironmentsDependent on IEP Mandates The Teacher The Paraprofessional Creates a Positive Physical and Emotional Classroom Environment Within the Classroom Community • Fosters engagement and interaction; • Develops and manages procedures; • Develops expectations and manages behaviors; • Develops, implements, and maintains a safe and productive learning environment; • Maintains environment in accordance with district policies and procedures; • Effectively communicates and/or collaborates with paraprofessionals and the community. Supports a Positive Physical and Emotional Classroom Environment • Facilitates student engagement; • Monitors and enforces classroom procedures; • Monitors and enforces student behaviors; • Supports a safe and productive environment; • Abides by teacher and district policies and procedures; • Effectively communicates and collaborates with classroom teacher. Previous Next

  11. Effective Communication, Collaboration, & Feedback Dependent on IEP Mandates The Teacher The Paraprofessional Effectively Utilizes Communication That Actively Engages the Learning Community • Uses appropriate spoken and written language skills; • Uses communication skills which promote interaction and feedback; • Constructs feedback and responses that guides academic and social growth; • Creates, organizes, and delivers instruction around clearly-defined objectives; • Promotes success through flexibility; • Continually assesses the effectiveness of communication within the community and adjust as needed; Effectively Utilizes Communication that Actively Engages the Learning Community • Uses appropriate spoken and written language skills; • Uses communication skills which promote interaction and feedback; • Constructs feedback and responses that guides academic and social growth; • Creates, organizes, and delivers instruction around clearly-defined and understood objectives; • Promotes success through flexibility under the guidance of the teacher; • Conference and collaborate with the classroom teacher to determine communication effectiveness and adjust as needed; Previous Next

  12. Professional Responsibilities The Teacher The Paraprofessional Legal and Ethical Requirements • Conferences and interacts with families and members of the learning community; • Interacts with diverse cultures; • Communicates and collaborates effectively with other members of the school community; • Continues professional development; • Knows and understands the legal requirements for special education, student and family rights, student discipline, and child abuse; • Effectively uses ethical guidelines; • Maintains accurate records; • Follow mandates for state and district assessments. Legal and Ethical Requirements • Uses ethical guidelines in the teacher, student, and paraprofessional relationship; • Uses guidelines in relation to student confidentiality; • Interacts (within campus directives) with the identified legal guardian of the special needs student; • Effectively communicates with other members of the school community; • Continues professional development; • Knows and understands the legal requirements for special education students. Previous Next

  13. Job Duties & Responsibilities On the next few screens, who is responsible: The teacher? or The paraprofessional?... Previous Next

  14. Classroom Management (Click on each to see) The Teacher The Paraprofessional The teacher develops, implements, and maintains a classroom/student behavioral, monitoring, and management plan. This plan is communicated clearly for support staff which may be working alongside the classroom teacher. This plan may be developed through collaboration with the paraprofessional if the teacher so chooses. The management plan does apply to special needs students unless modifications are stated in the student’s IEP (Individual Education Plan) and/or the BIP (Behavioral Intervention Plan). The paraprofessional must comply with the classroom and student behavioral and monitoring plan. If the paraprofessional is working with one student identified as needing special services, the student’s IEP (Individual Education Plan) along with the BIP (Behavioral Intervention Plan) will identify modifications (if any) to the general classroom management plan. The student IEP takes precedence over the classroom plan, however. The teacher and the paraprofessional must share a clear and focused understanding of the plan for effective classroom management to occur. Classroom management for the paraprofessional also includes assisting with instructional and other classroom materials. Previous Next

  15. Development of Curriculum and Instructional Plans (Click on each to see) The Teacher The Paraprofessional The teacher is responsible for the development of instructional objectives, curriculum planning, implementation, and maintenance/ assessment within the classroom. Special needs students may be included in this setting with or without a paraprofessional as determined by the student’s IEP. The teacher is responsible for making modifications within the curriculum and daily lesson planning for any special needs student (determined by the student’s IEP). Paraprofessionals authorized to work with a special needs student within the classroom must follow the teacher’s lesson plans unless prior agreement is made with the teacher for an alternative method. The teacher/paraprofessional team is committed to finding the most effective methods to reach academic goals and objectives. The Paraprofessional assists in the facilitation of the classroom curriculum, achieving stated objective given by the teacher. The paraprofessional may work with special needs students within the general classroom setting or may assist student learning in a modified setting as determined by the student’s IEP. The paraprofessional may also monitor student achievement and develop additional instructional strategies and materials as needed to meet lesson objectives (or as determined by the IEP and/or if approved by the classroom teacher). The teacher & paraprofessional team is committed to finding the most effective methods to reach academic goals and objectives. An effective team appreciates and uses each unique personality type and strength when developing and facilitating instruction. Previous Next

  16. Perform Duties Unrelated to Student Achievement (Click on each to see) The Teacher The Paraprofessional Teacher obligations encompass all areas of student achievement. Limited activities outside of this focus are occasionally needed and will be at the discretion of the campus administration. Teacher obligations focus on student achievement with few duty requirements outside of that focus. The law allows the paraprofessionals working in programs funded by Title I to be assigned limited duties that do not specifically support participating children. The amount of time spent on these duties must be the same as similar personnel within the same school. School principals must comply with the regulations controlling assignment of paraprofessionals through documentation to school districts. Previous Next

  17. Translator (Click on each to see) The Teacher The Paraprofessional Unless certified in bilingual education, teachers are not required to teach, communicate, and/or translate a first-to-second language to students or members of the school community unless they choose to do so. Bilingual teachers may be asked to translate a first-to-second language in meetings or other settings when asked by campus administrators. The paraprofessional may be used as a translator. This may include bilingual and ESL (English as a Second Language) classroom instruction, parent / student conferences, ARD (Admission, Review, and Dismissal) meetings, and other uses as determined by campus administration. Paraprofessionals must be used for special needs students needing second language support as determined by the student’s IEP. Paraprofessionals who are working with an identified special needs student in an English-only classroom may be asked to support duel language learners as requested by the teacher and/or the campus administrator. The paraprofessional’s objective, however, is to serve the identified special needs student. Previous Next

  18. Provide Instruction (Click on each to see) The Teacher The Paraprofessional The teacher prepares focused lessons, plans instruction, modifies instructional applications, and develops assessments needed to evaluate academic and social growth for all students (including special needs students) within the classroom. Development and modification of instruction to special needs students may be a collaborative effort between the teacher and the paraprofessional as determined by the teacher. Collected data and frequent conferences and collaboration between the paraprofessional and the teacher will evaluate and validate academic and social growth as determined by the student’s IEP and the BIP. The law mandates that paraprofessionals cannot provide instructional services unless they are working under the direct supervision of a teacher. The paraprofessional communicates and collaborates frequently and works in close proximity to the classroom teacher. Paraprofessionals will not be assigned to provide primary or exclusive instruction and/or care to students with disabilities unless otherwise directed by the ARD (Annual Review and Dismissal) committee. This information will be conveyed within the ARD paperwork. Previous Next

  19. Provide Personal Assistance Care(Click on each to see) The Teacher The Paraprofessional Personal assistance care and mobility care is not the teacher’s primary role. This role is placed in the special education services and may require paraprofessional skills. The teacher will provide routine personal assistance care and/or emergency mobility care as needed. Nationally, paraprofessionals will spend 10% of their time providing personal and mobility care assistance. The IEP team will determine the paraprofessional’s roles and responsibilities when dealing with special needs students. Paraprofessionals working with a disabled student will be trained with sufficient knowledge and skills needed to meet the need of that student. Previous Next

  20. Coach (Click on each to see) The Teacher The Paraprofessional As students are encouraged to construct their own knowledge through engagement in and reflect on personal, school-related, and work experiences, coaching has become a significant teaching strategy for encouraging such knowledge development. To help students learn in the way they learn best -through hands-on, experience-based learning - educators must be able to facilitate rather than dictate learning. They must know how to formulate guiding questions that will direct students to new discoveries about themselves, their learning processes, and the application of skills and knowledge. Teachers and Paraprofessionals both coach! End Job Duties and Responsibilities Begin Personal Styles Previous Next

  21. Crew Member Style: Inventory Understanding individual styles is one component needed for two people to effectively work together as a team. Before you can understand why other people do what they do or think what they think, it is important to recognize your own defining characteristics. Complete the attached questionnaire - What type of Crew Member Are You? - and identify your own personality style. Determine if the listed strengths and weaknesses apply to you. Click here to download and print a copy of the questionnaire for yourself. Previous Next

  22. CREW MEMBER Assessment:Inventory • Stop and Think • Using what you know about your personality type and learning/teaching style, what are your perceived weaknesses in becoming an effective aide or teacher? • What skills do you already have that you can further develop in order to be seen as an effective aide or teacher? • Would attending these professional development in-services together as a team enhance instructional effectiveness? • Your district offers a classroom management in-service. • Participate in an on-line professional development in-service. • Invite the district’s special education coordinator to your campus for a Question & Answer session regarding special education law and public education practices. Stephanie Blanck, Georgetown Independent School District, used with permission Previous Next

  23. Personality Style: A scenario • Ms. Field is a third grade teacher at Clement Elementary School. John, a special needs student in Ms. Field’s classroom, has been identified as having an auditory disability. Ms. Lin, the paraprofessional selected to work with John, whose disability requires Ms. Lin to translate all verbal communication into American Sign Language during the academic day. Unfortunately, Ms Field and Ms. Lin have difficulties working effectively as a team. Ms Field is confident and has a powerful presence in the classroom. She meticulously develops lesson plans for all areas of the academic day. She is constantly assessing her student’s growth, collecting data, and modifying instruction accordingly. Inherently an outstanding teacher, she uses mistakes to grow professionally and personally. Her students’ academic and social accomplishments are “number one” priority in the classroom. Recently she was voted as campus teacher of the year. She is task oriented, focused, and structured and feels compelled to demonstrate her incisive abilities as a classroom teacher. Previous Next

  24. Personality Style: A scenario Ms. Lin is also confident in her capabilities to facilitate instruction. Unlike Ms. Field, Ms. Lin is much more relaxed in the classroom setting, easily relating to John’s individual, social, and academic needs. Other students within John’s cooperative group feel the casual ease of asking Ms. Lin for help. Like Ms. Field, Ms. Lin is dedicated to the academic and social successes of her charge. She is quick to voice her ideas on how instructional development and its delivery should be made for John and for other students in the classroom. Ms. Lin has ideas that could potentially affect positive academic and social change but inadequately collects the evidence and data needed to defend her premise. Conferences between the two educators are brief and ineffective. She feels invalidated and devalued as a team member. Can you guess which personality style do these people have?Go to the next slide to confirm your choices… Previous Next

  25. Personality Style (Click to see) Ms. Lin Ms. Field Previous Next End Personality Styles Begin Communication

  26. Communication Identifying methods of information delivery and reception is a key component in the transfer of information. Being able to distinguish your own delivery system and determine how it is perceived by others is important. Spending a little research time on these communication components can alleviate wasted time and frustration in the pursuit of understanding. Previous Next

  27. Effective Communication… …the “art” of speaking and listening. Read what the experts have to say. Effective Communication - University of Maryland Used with Permission Right click to open link Study this information; the assessment includes effective communication Previous Next

  28. What is your communication style? • The communication inventory is divided into 4 groups. Select one statement from each group that describes a characteristic most like yourself. • Total the number of A, B, C, and D’s. The letter with the highest tally generally defines your communication style. ____Achiever ____Persuader ____Supporter ____Analyst Click here to download and print a copy of the questionnaire for yourself. Previous Next

  29. Communicating with others Understanding communication styles will help us effectively deliver information to another person. It will facilitate a clearer and ultimately more productive interaction. Each of us has a preferred communication style that we prefer to use when we speak, and we understand most clearly when others communicate using that style. It is possible for the speaker to modify his own preference in order to improve communication. The way we deliver information can differ depending on the characteristics and needs of listeners. Previous Next

  30. Communicating with others Previous Next Suppose you are a teacher and paraprofessional team working to facilitate positive student achievement. Read the characteristics listed on the next screen. If you are a teacher, speaking to a paraprofessional using the characteristics listed, what communicative style would the paraprofessional fall under?

  31. Communicating with others The Supporter The Achiever The Supporter The Persuader The Analyst Previous Next

  32. Communicating with others The Achiever The Achiever The Supporter The Persuader The Analyst Previous Next

  33. Communicating with others The Analyst The Achiever The Supporter The Persuader The Analyst Previous Next

  34. Communicating with others The Persuader The Achiever The Supporter The Persuader The Analyst Previous Next

  35. Communicating Style: A scenario Think back to the relationship between Ms. Field and Ms. Lin. Each educator had a different personality type and differing communication styles. If these team members could gain a more thorough knowledge of these key components, how might they be more efficient in the delivery and the focused understanding of information?What communicative approach should Ms. Field take when speaking to Ms. Lin? • Use the Achiever approach of information delivery. • Use the Persuader approach of information delivery. • Use the Supporter approach of information delivery. • Use the Analyst approach of information delivery. Previous Next

  36. Communicating Style: A scenario Answer Ms. Field should communicate as a supporter because a supporter: • Delivers information in a calm, casual, friendly, and informal manner. • Actively listens and reflects Ms. Lin’s feelings and concerns back to her. • Shows appreciation for Ms. Lin’s efforts. • Presents ideas that are consistent with Ms. Lin’s values and high standards. • Acknowledges and values Ms. Lin’s ideas. Previous Next

  37. Communicating Style: A scenario What communicative approach should Ms. Lin take when speaking to Ms. Field? • Use the Achiever approach of information delivery. • Use the Persuader approach of information delivery. • Use the Supporter approach of information delivery • Use the Analyst approach of information delivery Previous Next

  38. Communicating Style: A scenario Answer Ms. Lin should communicate as an analyst because an analyst: • Presents information in a logical, step-by-step manner. • Pays close attention to detail (documentation), because if she doesn’t, Ms. Field will. • Appeals to Ms. Field’s logic, reason, order, and systematic approach to solving problems. • Expects to be challenged on assumptions, intuitions, ideas, and procedures and offer viable ways they could be implemented. End Communication and Begin Collaboration Previous Next

  39. Collaboration Developing and implementing meaningful student learning experiences. Teamwork, Partnership, Group effort, Association, Alliance, Relationship, Cooperation These words define collaboration. A key component of any team effort, collaboration exemplifies success. Think about the world we live in today. “Think Tanks” are used everywhere developing the technological tools we take for granted. From the shape of our phones and computers to the names and colors that symbolize them, collaboration is essential. Within many classrooms, however, the ability to share innovative ideas and successes and to provide and receive suggestions for improvement is a fleeting thought. Many new and innovative processes in the academic world are developed singularly and protected with the thought that sharing would negate due credit. Educators who take a different view know that in order to positively effect change in the classroom, working together, sharing, developing, analyzing, realizing failure, modifying, and starting the cycle over again are the keys to success. Previous Next

  40. Collaboration Positives making every effort to resolve difficulties within the classroom; bringing in a 3rd party to moderate conflict and bring resolution; identifying differences in personality and communication style; failure, modifying, and starting the cycle over again are the keys to success. identifying key job duties; working together to identify weaknesses and needed steps for improvement; focusing on agreeing on what is best for the students; engaging in conversation that is candid, honest, and straightforward; developing and practicing flexibility; learning from and building on experiences; defining any problem as a learning experience. Take a look at the following classroom scenario. Decide how you would solve the problems faced within Mr. Dan’s classroom. Previous Next

  41. Collaboration scenario Mr. Dan Mr. Dan is a fifth grade teacher at Alamo Elementary School. After retiring from the Navy three years prior, Mr. Dan decided to enter the exciting field of education, hoping to make a difference in the lives of his students. Mr. Dan is a robust teacher who incorporates military experience into his academic delivery. Respected by the campus and community alike, Mr. Dan motivates and inspires learning. He is an active learner himself, gaining knowledge in effective teaching practices. An astute data collector, Mr. Dan quickly accesses up-to-date student information as needed for parent and administration. His ability to be a team player often lands him in district and campus duties outside of the classroom. Twenty-seven ethnically and academically diverse students fill Mr. Dan’s small portable classroom. Of the 27 students, seven are identified to receive services that fall within the special education setting. An ARD (Annual Review and Dismissal) committee has placed these special needs students in the LRE (Least Restrictive Environment) of Ms. Dan’s classroom. Mr. Dan has each of these special needs student’s IEPs (Individual Education Plan) and puts a high emphasis on following the modifications and accommodations listed. Five students receive minimal special education services and support. The other two students have physical disabilities, requiring one-on-one services. Previous Next

  42. Collaboration scenario Ms. Lad and Ms. Mid Ms. Lad and Ms. Mid provide services for the two students, attending to their academic, social, and physical needs. The classroom’s small size limits the paraprofessional’s abilities to effectively work one-on-one with their student. Hearing three adult voices within the classroom is a distraction for many general education students, and parents have voiced their concerns to campus administration. Ms. Lad and Ms. Mid have worked as paraprofessionals on campus for many years and feel qualified to advocate all academic and social decisions for their students. Differing in services performed, they unite in the view that their own students’ academic and social needs supersede those of the entire class. Previous Next

  43. Two Philosophies: A scenario Communication between the educators is usually cordial and upbeat, but lately there has been a more negative feeling. The stressors associated with teaching added to the difficult working environment have made the once average relationship falter. Although negative feelings color the classroom atmosphere, Mr. Dan continues to present his positive demeanor while in the classroom. Both paraprofessionals, however, are quick to display their aggressive nature by teaching their students at louder levels. They begin to discuss the problem with other paraprofessionals within the campus. Mr. Dan’s calm nature infuriates the paraprofessionals and see him as openly dismissing their needs as educators and as members of the classroom community. Ms. Lad asks administration to place her and her student in another classroom. The student’s parents are opposed to the move. Previous Next

  44. Collaboration scenario How could this situation be salvaged? • Administrative transfer of one paraprofessional and her student into another classroom. No: This may help short term, but would not facilitate professional growth among all parties involved. When transfers become practice, students with or without paraprofessional assistance can be moved at teacher or parent whims. A third or fourth party can be brought in to moderate conflict resolutions. Every effort should be made to solve difficulties within the classroom. • Administration requires all three educators to attend Teaming, a professional development in-service, while providing substitutes and making any necessary student arrangements. Yes: By identifying personality styles, communication approaches, and the basics of effective teaming, these educators could begin to recognize and appreciate the actions and intentions (how and why) of each team member. Having a clearer understanding as to why others in the team say and do what they do leads to a more positive and productive environment. In addition, key job duties for the school year would be clearly identified allowing members of the team to focus on individual tasks and the successes of students in their care. Previous Next

  45. Collaboration scenario • Principal requires all three educators to research and construct an action plan with the help of the assistant principal. The three will collaboratively identify the problems, the expected and measurable outcomes or results, and the viable steps necessary to achieve the goal. Yes: By working together to identify areas of weakness and the steps needed for improvement, these educators become empowered to put aside personal differences and focus on what is best for the classroom as a whole. • Ms. Lad takes the initiative to invite Mr. Dan and Ms. Mid to her home for a working potluck supper. Her intention is to present her colleagues with current action research on the collaborative process in the hopes of producing productive, positive dialogue. Yes: Ms. Lad has taken a first step in validating the team’s personal and professional problems and in providing a path to positive change. Through candid, straightforward, and honest conversation, this group will be able to identify each other’s strengths and weaknesses. Only then, can they begin to develop the structural foundation, which is vital to the team’s effectiveness. Previous Next

  46. Collaboration scenario • No intervention with the hope that the problems will dissipate on their own. No: Education is an evolving, social profession. As society changes and our culture evolves, so too must the classroom teacher. Allowing ourselves an “unbending” and unaccommodating attitude will cause us to break when we are tested. Being able to flex and bend to the situations around us, using experiences to grow personally and professionally, allows educators the ability to try and fail, refocus, and try again. Educators are natural problem solvers. Our brains are in our heads for a specific purpose- to learn. Any problem that arises should be viewed as a learning experience. Remember Thomas Edison’s invention of the light bulb? Hundreds of ideas, hundreds of attempts, hundreds of problems, hundreds of failures, one success. End Collaboration and start Uniting Philosophies Previous Next

  47. One Focus, Two Philosophies Many individuals have never spent time reflecting on what makes a strong team. However, most people know the consequences of an individual football player’s decision to run a play that hasn’t been planned by the team. As governing dynamics dictate, decisions must be made on the basis of what is good for the individual and what is good for the team. Sometimes it is difficult to balance the needs of both the individual and the group. The following section helps one to learn how to achieve the balance and develop a successful team. Previous Next

  48. Uniting Philosophies Often, team members have differing educational philosophies that interfere with effective team building. In order to unite two independent educational philosophies, an effective team must have: 1. a purpose to be together. • The team needs a focused plan that requires results. • The team’s successes need to be valued and supported. 2. independent thinkers • To work as a team member, you must first be independent. • Independent people know what makes them tick and what’s important in their lives - values and ethics. • Independent values contribute to the team process. • If you can’t manage or trust others, you will have a hard time being effective on any team. Previous Next

  49. Uniting Philosophies 3. a commitment • All parties must be committed to the team. • All parties must be responsible for a specific result. • All parties must take the time to get the job done correctly. • Each party must evolve their own ideals for something greater than themselves. 4. equal contribution • Contributions make the team exciting. • Have a clear focus. Build on each other’s strengths. There is strength in diversity. • Develop a community. Every community member contributes to the objective. • Trust and be accountable to each other. 5. a leader • The leader has the insight to allow the other members to grow and develop socially and professionally. • The leader validates and encourages differing ideas into the collaborative/evaluative process. • The leader communicates effectively with other members of the team. • The leader allows the flow of creativity when needed. • The leader demonstrates the ability to make mistakes a learning and growth opportunity. Previous Next

  50. Uniting Philosophies 6. communication • Everyone should have a time to be heard without interruption. • Allows team members to connect with team leaders. • Emotional events usually make team members closer. • Allow time for informal conversations. • Time to be formal and time to be casual, but always professional. • Laughter- humor is often missing in the classroom. • Never use another person as a foundation for humor. • Teams can be fun. 7. cooperation • Make the objective and goals clear to all team members. • Pool ideas of members of the team. • Work together in an atmosphere of patience. • All members have valued contributions. • No complaining without viable solutions. Previous Next

More Related