STEAM Week
For my slightly belated post, I wanted to share a major project that I've been working on at my school and see what some of your perspectives are from a leadership standpoint (since I'm working it from both angles, as a teacher-leader). I'm currently spearheading a STEAM Initiative at my school, working with two other teachers to implement a STEAM program, which we will eventually seek state certification for. It's been a ton of work so far, with several mini-projects embedded within the initiative. For instance, I've suggested transforming our school courtyard, which suffers from disuse and disrepair, into an outdoor classroom and gardening center. That's required me to work with PTO to gear the school's major fundraiser towards that project, so then I had to present at PTO meetings and create a video explaining the vision. Another major part of the initiative is establishing a STEAM Week, which occurs once per month, during which time every grade level rotates through a 1-2 hour STEAM Learning Lab and participates in an engineering design challenge and integrated learning. Coordinating the schedule and support (i.e. involving parents, community members, and business leaders) to make it possible was somewhat of an engineering marvel in itself, but then I've also had to constantly adjust for unexpected issues and circumstances (i.e. teacher absences, fire drills, etc.). While it's apparent that most teachers really enjoyed the opportunity for their students and the gradual shift towards a STEAM Philosophy at our school, it's also obvious that we (the STEAM Team) don't have buy in from several teachers, so that's yet another challenge. I guess my point is that every step I take towards increasing my leadership roles, including school improvement measures, seems to create exponentially more work on my part. I'm working on recruiting help, inspiring others to join the effort, and delegating/sharing out much of the load as "leadership opportunities" for my colleagues, but I can't honestly say that most of my friends share my enthusiasm and motivation. So, at what point should I draw the line and say "No, this would probably be a really good idea, but it's not worth the extra effort and/or sacrifice that I'd have to ask teachers and staff to make." I'm curious about this, because I know it's a predicament that principals and APs face often. Optional versus mandatory participation? Embracing an initiative whole heartedly or allowing it to fizzle out due to lack of buy-in (or leadership)? The work can be exhausting, but so far it's been worth it. I just don't want to reach the point where school improvement efforts actually become detrimental (i.e. workload, morale, teacher frustration, etc.). Any thoughts?
WOW! I feel your angst. Wondering why your administration did not create a committee to assist you with this endeavor?!
ReplyDeleteOur school has a math connection class where I am the full time teacher and leader. I've been charged with creating what happens in this class. Interestingly, I have buy-in from staff but they are not on board completely of the screening process of how students should be placed in this class. In the past this class was utilized to tutor students. Now this class is all about bridging the gap (work on student deficits). My problem is how do you change a mind set that has been in place for years.
Like you Charlie you see the potential of greatness with your program but get bombarded by feeling not supported in this endeavor. I think the only way teachers half way listen is when things are mandated by administration.
Charlie, I love this idea! It opens up so many excellent opportunities for your students. It sounds like you have put a lot of work into this project. As a leader, focus on those people who share your vision. If you truly believe in what you are doing, you have to continue to push for success. Sometimes the challenges you are faced with may discourage you, but you have to stay motivated to inspire others. I would suggest using a survey along the way to see what can be done to get more buy-in from others. Create newsletters to share each step of the process or put it on your school's Facebook page. Have you tried recognizing your supporters and their efforts? This will keep them motivated and hopefully get others to join in. I would also love to hear what your administration is doing to support this huge initiative. I concur with Nicole in saying that having your administration team's support will be to your advantage. Try not to lose sight on the "bigger picture" - state certification. This would be a great accomplishment for your school! Good luck!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the excellent advice! My principal is actually very, very supportive, allowing me and the other teacher on the STEAM Team the autonomy and flexibility to do whatever we need to implement STEAM (i.e. alter schedules, coordinate activities and events, conduct PL, order supplies)...but he stops short of requiring other teachers to be on the implementation team. He does highly encourage all teachers to embrace the model to improve their instruction (and subtly hints that their evaluations will depend on it). He also gave us the idea to do a staff survey (like you, Phyllis), so I just sent that out last Friday...excellent feedback so far! Newsletters and Facebook are great suggestions too. Our latest newsletter includes an invite for parents and students to attend the next PTO meeting and participate in a STEAM Learning Lab, which was my principal's suggestion to get parents involved and excited about the initiative. We are doing like you said Phyllis, and bringing in those few individuals that are really onboard and enthusiastic, and we're using them as catalysts for inspiring change. But like Nicole said, changing a collective mindset can be a gradual and painstaking process. I appreciate the "Bigger Picture" advice. It would be an awesome accomplishment for the school, but that's easy to lose sight of we you get bogged down in the work and weeds, so thanks for the reminder!
ReplyDeleteWe are a STEAM Charter school in Henry County. Come and visit us. Right now, our STEAM rotations go on a seven week schdeule. Students are able to pick their STEAM class (gardening, drums, piano, culinary arts, etc) and every teacher in the building leads a class. At the end of the seven weeks, the student present their finished product from STEAM at our STEAM night. Parents and community members are invited out to see the work. Our next STEAM night will be on 12/1. Come on down!
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