Want Vibrant, Engaged Teachers? Give Them Professional Freedom

The Shift in Education Post-Pandemic

The pandemic brought a wave of change, some good, some challenging. One silver lining was the increased focus on social and emotional wellness in education. Teachers, principals, and school leaders now seem to be carrying a lighter load. With less stress, they’ve become more engaged and energetic this past year. But as we inch closer to normalcy, there’s a lot of pressure to revert to old habits—even if those habits weren’t ideal. How can we keep that enthusiasm and energy shining on campus?

Innovative Approaches at Ulster BOCES

At Ulster Board of Cooperative Education Services (BOCES), we operate a bit differently. Our service district provides alternatives to traditional schooling, which allows us to experiment with new ideas that many schools might not dare to try. Our unique approaches can serve as a guide for other districts looking to improve their methods.

Empowering Educators

At Ulster, one secret to fostering a positive teaching environment is simple: we trust our teachers. We hire passionate professionals and grant them the freedom to explore educational methods. Here’s how we make it happen.

In a meeting a couple of years back, our BOCES leaders discussed New York’s Annual Professional Performance Review (APPR). Our faculty voiced concerns about their teaching freedom. They feared experimenting with new teaching strategies might backfire. If it didn’t work out, evaluations could suffer, and they risked being labeled ineffective.

Our superintendent, Charles Khoury, stepped in with a refreshing perspective. He reminded everyone, “You are here because you have the skills, experience, and judgment. Each day, you make hundreds of decisions. I want you to trust that judgment. You’re in charge of your classroom; be innovative!”

He also promised that if a teacher found themselves labeled ineffective while using their professional judgment, they could appeal. Khoury would personally handle their appeals. This approach lifted a huge weight off teachers’ shoulders and encouraged them to try new things without fear of repercussions.

A Tool for Growth, Not Punishment

Now, let’s be clear: this wasn’t a free pass for ineffective teaching. Our mission also involves supporting those who may struggle. We focus on helping educators improve rather than pointing fingers. The APPR becomes a growth tool, not a punishment. We have many ways to identify issues or challenges teachers face.

Building Student-Educator Connections

With the newfound trust from leadership, our teachers have begun creating portfolios showcasing their growth as educators. As they embrace their own learning journey, that energy flows into their classrooms, creating a vibrant atmosphere for students.

Revamping the Onboarding Process

This year, we welcomed about 35 new teachers, and we revamped our onboarding process to three days, allowing them to grasp the essence of our district. The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive.

We focus on creating genuine connections in our morning meetings. Instead of spinning wheels with long emails, we foster human connection by bringing together clerical and support staff. These relationships are vital for creating a positive learning environment.

Inclusivity Builds Community

In meetings that once included only faculty, we now invite all staff members. Everyone involved in this district plays a role in the thriving community we aim to build. This inclusion shows that we appreciate everyone’s contributions. It strengthens our commitment to a collaborative environment.

Intentional Spaces for Inspiring Work

Principals and superintendents, like us, are rethinking our physical spaces. We want to create inviting areas where people actually love to work. The vibe of our campuses matters.

Connecting Beyond Our District

We don’t stop at our campus. Leaders in our district also seek opportunities to connect with educators across the country. Inspiration can come from various sources. Collaborating with organizations like High Tech High, EL Education, World Savvy, and the Stanford d.School, we continuously share knowledge and innovate educational practices.

Constant Commitment to Equity

Empowering our teachers is also about addressing equity. Our team doesn’t shy away from these conversations. We’re committed to ongoing learning despite the challenges each of us faces. If traditional methods aren’t cutting it, Khoury invests in seeking new solutions.

The Buzz of Energy in Our Buildings

This school year, I’ve felt the energy in our buildings—it’s contagious! Our educators are proving their worth. They know what’s best for their students and are determined to create those learning experiences. We are here to support them in wielding that freedom and creativity.

Understanding the Risks of Compliance

We’ve noticed that in education, compliance often overshadows empowerment. While some rules are essential, overemphasizing compliance can stifle creativity. We shouldn’t settle for merely adhering to directives from the top down. Instead, we should focus on fostering an environment where educators can thrive.

Narrative Pedagogy: The Power of Stories

Narrative pedagogy empowers teachers and students by making their experiences central to the learning process. It allows individuals to explore meanings through storytelling—a technique that resonates deeply. Stories can shock, inspire, or evoke all kinds of emotions. They remind us of our shared humanity.

Getting to Know Ourselves

Before we embark on this journey, we need to understand our starting point. For educators, that means reflecting on personal experiences. Rather than relying on statistics alone, we need to tap into our stories, voices, and identities.

The Essential Role of Listening

Listening is crucial in this journey. We have to respect and empower our communities. Our schools should be places of joy and magic. We can’t meet community needs if we aren’t genuinely listening.

Even the Tough Conversations Matter

Sometimes, getting a group of different schools together can feel like herding cats. Initially, there may be resistance, confusion, and frustration. But, when we take the time to listen, acknowledge concerns, and encourage collaboration, amazing things happen.

Time to Celebrate Success

As teachers share their stories and methodologies in meetings, they often leave energized. They bounce ideas off each other and inspire creativity. Instead of focusing on compliance, we build a collective narrative. This collaboration strengthens bonds and fosters inclusivity.

Embracing Vulnerability

Yes, there’s a risk in transparency; sharing stories can feel scary. But this vulnerability is where magic happens. Collaborating means we establish deeper connections and create something meaningful.

Writing Our Own Future

Narrative pedagogy guides us to shape our collective story. It helps us reflect on our journeys as individuals and as a community. This process encourages collaboration, creativity, and shared understanding. By nurturing our narratives, we foster growth for both teachers and students.

Conclusion: Learning Together

We invite our teachers to rethink their approaches, prioritizing relationships and student agency as vital drivers of change. If this magic method works for teacher-student interactions, it’s time we apply it to how our teachers learn, too. We are on this journey together, and it’s an exciting ride!