#LFOntChat Archive
This new slowchat will run over the course of a week with a single question being released each Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday at 7:00 pm EDT (with all three questions being related during a given week). This chat will focus on an exploration of Learning Forward's Standards for Professional Learning and we will discuss practical applications of those standards in our school districts. Learning Forward Ontario will host these slowchats, as an affiliate of Learning Forward. We are committed to proving student learning by providing leadership and support for those responsible for professional development.
Tuesday March 29, 2016
Please introduce yourself (name, location, role) and name two (since we’re in week 2) traits of an effective education leader.
Chris here in London, Ontario, Canada...math facilitator.
Effective ed leader...relationship-builder and collaborator.
Shelly from Toronto, Instructional Coach; effective leader influences & leads by example
Welcome, Shelly! Finding slow chats start kind of slow...go figure! Glad your here!
'Walking the talk" can be so powerful and influential!
Glad to be here! https://t.co/8sARaKz6rb
Welcome, Shelly! Finding slow chats start kind of slow...go figure! Glad your here!
Welcome, Shelly! Finding slow chats start kind of slow...go figure! Glad you're here!
So important & building those relationships! You have to know your staff; their goals, passions, family https://t.co/rgHTHPCWQd
'Walking the talk" can be so powerful and influential!
Not always easy to invest that time but can make such a difference when it comes to leading change!
Derek here from London, ON!
Welcome Derek! Two traits of an effective leader?
Hope you can be patient with our slow chat format! :)
Hello everyone! Catherine from Kingston, ON. Simultaneously doing dinner prep
I feel as tho effective leaders inspire others above all else. They also communicate their vision
Glad you could join us again, Catherine! While prepping for dinner...2 traits of an effective leader?
How do they "inspire"? Is it via communicating their vision?
I'll post our question for tonight in a short while.
Depends on the individual.Empower staff & motivate them to hardness their skill set through effective communication
I think leaders need to be authentic and self-aware. They should also be able to act on the vision.
agreed! Leading by example is huge!
Hi Sarah Sanders jumping in. TOSA - Student Work Study Initiative with TVDSB
I agree...& I think that personal reflection can come into play her too...learning about who I am as an educator/leader.
- missed the second part. Effective leader - communicates well/good with interpersonal relationships and leads by example.
Welcome back, Sarah! So happy you could join us! Consider/share a couple of traits of an effective leader.
Authenticity, honesty are so important...being REAL!
Our actual question for tonight is coming right up! It’s a slow chat! ;)
Great point!Effective leaders reflect & question themselves. Progressive ideals on how to improve situation for all
I like your connection to being "self-aware". So important when collaborating with others. Understanding our own needs too
exactly! Aligned goals/vision creates consistency and everyone knows what the objective is
2 Traits of effective leader: listener, risk-taker
Really requires reflection...developing those metacognitive skills!
Hi Teresa! Glad you could join us!
Risk-taker - kind of goes along with leading by example; but extends to new areas of learning.
I like the idea of a listening risk-taker! :)
I would also say empathetic and empowers others.
Q1: Why and how is LEADERSHIP important to effective professional learning?
We NEED to take the time to reflect - important part of the learning process. Love just "thinking" after chats like these.
Agreed...far removed from being self-serving!
Believe in the abilities of your staff and know when to seek help
yes! Creates a safe environment where staff feel supported and empowered to take risks.
I definitely agree! And we need to make time during the day to reflect, but then to also act on those reflections
A1: leaders meet the needs of their staff, provide meaningful professional learning based on feedback
A1: Good leadership can make or break PL. We need to trust in the leadership and feel like our needs are being met
That safe environment can make all the difference when it comes to meaningful PL as well!
So true and it feels so good when the PL meets your learning needs. Not just "another" thing to do.
A1: leaders need to engage in professional learning alongside their staff, being models of learners as well as leaders
A1. Leading is an action word but a leader's ability to learn is just as impt as their actions.
Hi all, Beate from Newmarket.
Feedback helps keep the pulse of the 'action' and the learning progress (or lack of it).
A1: Effective leadership ensures ppl "buy in" and trust the message.
A1: leaders need to know needs & interests of their staff; provide time & resources, allow risks https://t.co/ktfiZtwLJe
What is that trust 'falls down' or is not 'earned'?
A1 I think it's a feedback cycle with leaders and teachers supporting each other
A1 Admin need to model & put PL as a priority for a growth mindset among Ts. provide time, quality PL, collaboration among Ts
Yes! Walk the talk! Learning by doing...right alongside colleagues!
And beyond just learning alongside, supporting in the implementation of that learning
risk taking is pivotal for growth. Great things can happen when you feel supported/trusted!
I think Ts also need to take the onus. PL cannot be driven solely by leadership
A1 I think reflective leadership is key to helping others move forward while being responsible for our own learning.
Trust is at the heart of deep learning with others, for me.
And that your voice is valued! https://t.co/dUwpi4gPAb
risk taking is pivotal for growth. Great things can happen when you feel supported/trusted!
Maybe even encourage risk-taking?
it's reciprocal as well! When I trust someone and the message possibilities are endless
Definitely; need to provide that supportive atmosphere to do so https://t.co/FUlHdYVbwb
Maybe even encourage risk-taking?
A1 Leaders need a vision/goal for Ts & Ss... gives Ts a scaffolded approach to their PL. Needs & Strengths discussed, vision 4 PL
I agree! And also knowing that those risks don't always end in "success" and being okay with it
How best to help make that elusive 'time' a reality? Welcome, btw!!!
Ts also need to know its ok to fail; if you don't try how will you know it works? https://t.co/FGlLYaYpqR
I agree! And also knowing that those risks don't always end in "success" and being okay with it
Provide time during day, embedded PD, peer observations, PLC planning periods..etc
I love the way you worded it. Just b/c doesn't end in success does not mean failure
So true! You're causing me to reflect on many of my relationships right now!
Yes, failure is part of learning!
Catherine Z, TVDSB, elementary principal - traits of effective education leader; creativity/trust/model/honest/smart/ transparent
That's something I've always struggled with. Especially when it feels like you've tried many different things!
So not just a 'watch and listen' approach...but roll up sleeves and dig in?
I'm big into the maker movement. The message is consistent. "You haven't failed just hasn't worked yet"
Perhaps part of risk-taking is also accounting for the time it takes for change to happen
I am okay w/ the "abandon ship" lessons and moving on!!!!
A1 Give Ts permission to think outside the box, try new pedagogy, Admin need to be open to new ideas that will meet Yd & Ss needs
Lunch and learns are another way o find time. Finding time is always possible with people who want to learn.
Agreed, there is a role for leadership...but they don't have to come to the table with all of the answers.
Sometimes I think leaders feel awkward if they don't feel they are the 'experts' at the learning table.
Interesting...I think Ts feel like that a lot of the time too in their classrooms.
RT Q1: What and how is LEADERSHIP important to effective professional learning?
Leaders also need to provide resources needed for PL, create a culture of learning w/Ts. Ts need to be heard re: needs
It could be both - the leader doesn't have the trust to start with OR they have the trust and break it
we evolve and their together. Collaboration benefits everyone through diversified skill sets
Agreed even if sometimes the approach fails. Drop it and try something knew.
So glad you're with us! Love having your voice as part of the 'mix'!
true but I don't find the word 'failure' a bad word. We need to get rid of its negative connotation
I do NOT have that problem! As a leader or teacher. More than willing to ask for help.
Change takes anywhere from 5-7 years; need to give time :) https://t.co/Q3kPONor1h
Perhaps part of risk-taking is also accounting for the time it takes for change to happen
Yes - transparent! Love not having to guess what the actual message is!
A1 to keep pushing learning and conversations about student learning not just teaching
Ts feel more comfortable when their leaders admit they don't know everything & that they're learning alongside them
Is it truly "failure"...or more constructive/productive than failure??? Semantics???
I have more respect for those who can admit they are not "all knowing" - we all have things to offer
Leaders should also be teacher leaders = Lead Learners. Ts themselves can create a culture for PL to thrive, don't need to wait
Welcome! Happy you could take the time to join the engaging conversation!
I think we sometimes spend 2 much time trying to rephrase things when we should just be transparent w/ Ss https://t.co/ot1sC79B5p
Is it truly "failure"...or more constructive/productive than failure??? Semantics???
agreed! I often say some of my best teaching comes during non teaching times. True/authentic relationship developmt
Those who roll up their sleeves, ready to learn new skills will inspire others to follow suit
I love when the Ss know something I don't. It empowers them as classroom leaders.
no one is an expert in everything. The collective thrives and individuals become overwhelmed
Thank you for this! I've been teaching for <5 years and often am disheartened by what I struggle with
I'm leaning in that direction. I understand productive failure, but I'm searching for other words.
Yes! Time and patience.....
As a leader I think Leadership is key to EPL.We set the example.Leaders must lead,listen,empathise,thank,appreciate nd understand
Can be a slow, gradual process...but isn't that, perhaps, more effective?
Nah; don't stress; take it one day @ a time & focus on 1 thing & do it really well :) https://t.co/4SkNkbG2US
Thank you for this! I've been teaching for <5 years and often am disheartened by what I struggle with
Well said Co-labor, co-learn-Negotiate meaning together https://t.co/rH0JW1Ampw
we evolve and their together. Collaboration benefits everyone through diversified skill sets
I admire Ts who recognize that point and act on it!
definitely; slow & steady
When a S shows me something they learned @ home and show me a better way I'm thrilled!ENGAGEMENT!
Fair point! Kids get it then, so move on from our mistakes!
Everybody out! Let's "reboot" as I say!
Ss are brilliant! If we just take the time to listen and learn from them.
I sense a 'pirate' approach in you! :)
Or too many initiatives at once also intimidates & frustrates https://t.co/qsIeNeiLcB
this way more teachers buy into the change. Act too quickly and you scare off people.
They are! It's my goal for them to think critically and find new ways of doing things
Just ask and ! They will concur.
Agreed! If the desire is there...if there's a will, there's a way! What about 'recluses'?
Have you ever let them teach the class? That's really fun too. What grade level? I am a Middle School 6th-8th teacher.
Agreed, but some do carry that burdensome feeling...in my experience.
Im at annual Congress in Wexford Ireland.Last week I opened Irelands first ever Primary school STEAMroom.Causing great interest
Leaders cultivate culture based on norms of high expectations, shared responsibility, mutual respect, and trust.
This is the best part of my role - I learn everyday from students as I document their experiences
I'm typically Intermediate 7-8 but this year is a bit of everything. I haven't but want to. I see the benefit!
never give up on them. Provide opportunities & invitations & we hope that one day they will take something.
Love that! What were some of your best moments with letting the Ss lead the class?
Leaders work collaboratively with others to create vision & goals for learning success based on educator and S learning data.
Have to run - thanks for another great chat! Will check back in over the next few days.
A sign of a strong leader! Kind of sounds funny, eh? But I believe it!
Thanks for joining us, Kevin! Setting the example is so important!
That makes the learning authentic! Role reversal creates multiple benefits for both Ts & Ss
Leaders make their own career-long learning visible to others, participating within and beyond their workplace.
This was fun! Thanks everyone!
This year I have K-8 with multiple classes. No homeroom this year which is new but exciting
I've been at it for almost 26 years and I still feel that way at times! :)
Chris this is a journey into the unknown.Ive been planning it for 3 years.Im loving it and it is causin a stir
Thanks for joining us! Jump back in anytime over the next few days!
That's great! Thought abt blogging on this? I think you have your lead! LMK - I run the LUV blog!
Share more! You've got my interest!
Leaders’ actions need to model attitudes and behavior they expect of all educators.
In case you missed...Q1: Why and how is LEADERSHIP important to effective professional learning?
Chris I talking about my new STEAMroom.Its Irelands first Primary school STEAMroom and is creating quuite a stir
That's awesome! Congratulations!
A1:Need leaders to back new ideas that stray from https://t.co/2ZaZlASOyf from above is key to success for Ss & Ts.
Leaders work to equitably distribute resources to accomplish individual, team, school, and school system goals.
Hi Julie! Glad you could join the conversation! I like your reference to risk-taking!
I have to bow out now, but I'll be back in and out of the chat over the next few days! Keep posting! Thanks for joining us!
Leaders must be forward-thinking, inspire Ts to be as well, prepare Ss for their future!
Yes - helping kids not just leave their comfort zone, but embrace new skills & gain perspective is key
Agreed...can't just live in the past or even just the here and now!
Intro: Fred from BC, math & ed consultant, grad student, mentor teacher: passionate learner & inspirer
This is why I said a trait of a good leader is 'passionate learner'. This is authentic.
Solid and reciprocal relationships are key to continue to support T learning and growing, it's not over after a PD session
But then the learning possible is limited to the level of the leader(s). This would be inefficient.
>38 yrs & still struggle but press on enthusiastically. Change takes TIME, do what you can.
This is where T growth mindset is essential. If growth is the target, it doesn't matter the start
forgot the hashtag: On inspiring Ts to want to learn to meet their classroom needs/desires for growth https://t.co/4SYX4JiiLI
Q.1. Leaders must build culture AND capacity. Requires deep understanding of urgent S learning needs-->staff needs 4 PL
if PL is driven by urgent S learning needs...it can be collaboratively designed
Agreed, shared goal as caring Ts, add to one another's ideas, noticing, re-searching
Q1 Great point - tracking the initiative or tracking what it ignites? https://t.co/nQQS91DQ7B
If all we track for PL is attendance, budget codes + completion, how does that help student learning?
