Culture

The word that sticks out to me that describes an influential culture is interdependence. Interdependence is needed for groups to move themselves together toward the goal of excellence. I also see the need for groups to answer these questions in order be clear about their work together.

1. Who are we?
2. Why are we doing this?
3. Why are we doing this, this way?

I found these questions in the book, Cognitive Coaching where it talks about adaptive schools. Each grade level needs to be able to answer these questions in order to have a focus or else their work together will be unfocused.

I wish that my grade level partner and I answered these questions together. Sometimes we do not see eye-to-eye about why we do what we do. I really do not believe in assigning a project just to keep the students busy or to keep the students "out of my hair". It seems to me that the curriculum needs to be differentiated and not just assigned for busy work. As I have learned more through this project, I see how difficult it is to be a leader in our educational system. There are so many who want to just walk away and do their own thing without answering the essential questions. How do administrators gather their staff to be like-minded so they can accomplish their goals? I wish I could see a model of this type of collaboration because it seems so hard to believe. Although I work at a small school of 15 teachers, we each have our own opinions. I know there is not an ideal school, but it would be nice to be part of a group that is looking to change for the better.

In my mentoring relationship, as I mentioned before we differ about these questions. I have found it difficult to stand up to my mentee. I do believe that this program as well as this project has helped me to see education in a different light and to think for myself what is best for students.