We wonder how to take advantage of the global IB community that exists to allow students from all contexts to safely and virtually engage with one another in cooperative learning opportunities to support each other's learning while also considering varying and multiple perspectives and develop international-mindedness.

-Reached out to IB (waiting for a response)

-Search of IB school's that inquire into similar concepts and reach out to express interest in partnering on an inquiry

-Reach out to IB research department to identify possible project that brings IB coordinators who are interested together to trial and experiment with cooperative learning in IB schools around the world. Have the findings shared with the wider community through publications and presentations at the IB global conference

This work will focus on influencing teachers to change their teaching practices. This work is rooted in our desire as an IB World School to incorporate more opportunities for an Inquiry-Based approach to teaching and learning. Some of the strategies highlighted in the resources below guide how to influence others productively while striving for a common goal.

*Trust

*Collaboration

*Effective persuasion

*Use a new lens

Resources:

TEACHING STRATEGIES

Sparking Change in Teaching Practices

Educators share key moments that catalyzed change.

By Grant Piros March 27, 2019

Six Ways to Help People Change

If you want to help someone reach their goals, follow these steps.

BY ART MARKMAN| MARCH 7, 2016

Influence and Organizational Change: Getting Your Way the Right Way

By Wendy Hirsch March 13, 2023

7 Steps to Effective Instructional Leadership, 2nd ed.

Elaine K. McEwan (2003)

As a leader it is important to manage conflict in the workplace with timeliness and fidelity. Managing conflict is crucial for maintaining a positive and productive work environment. Firstly, effective communication is essential. This means encouraging open and honest discussions where everyone feels heard. By listening carefully to each person's perspective, leaders can better understand the root causes of the conflict and work towards finding solutions that work for everyone. Regular feedback sessions can also help address issues early on, preventing them from escalating into bigger problems.

Empathy is another important aspect of managing conflict. This involves putting yourself in the shoes of others and trying to understand their feelings and viewpoints. Encouraging empathy among team members can help to de-escalate tensions and foster a sense of understanding and respect. By promoting empathy, teams can build stronger relationships and handle conflicts more effectively, leading to a more cohesive and supportive work environment.

Having clear policies and procedures for conflict resolution is essential. This ensures that conflicts are dealt with fairly and consistently, without bias or favoritism. All leaders should be trained in conflict resolution techniques and equipped with the skills to mediate disputes effectively. By establishing clear expectations and processes, schools can minimize the negative impact of conflicts on productivity and morale and promote a culture of accountability and fairness in the workplace, with all focus being put back on student achievement.

It must also be mentioned that if the conflict going on among school staff is healthy conflict it can be a good thing for a few reasons. Firstly, it pushes us to ask deeper questions, helping us to understand things better. When we have different opinions, it encourages us to think critically and find solutions that really work. Secondly, it teaches us to be open-minded. When we see things from different angles, we're more likely to adjust our thinking based on new information. Thirdly, it shows that we're curious and eager to learn. Conflict can be a sign that we're passionate about what we do and want to find the best ways to help students succeed. Lastly, conflicts remind us to keep students' needs as our focus. By working through disagreements, we can come together to create a better learning environment for everyone.

2. Constant communication

3. Work as a team

4. promote a positive culture and work environment

5. Give positive feedback

It is a balance of personal and professional connections.

Start by creating:

1. Common Understanding ---Teachers share individual traits and work preferences so that the team can capitalize on each other's strengths.

2. Psychological Safety--Leadership should openly acknowledge failures, uncertainties, and personal weaknesses to help build trust within the team.

3. Make Work Meaningful----- Regularly share teams impact

Resources:

--Link above

--https://www.bluebeyondconsulting.com/blog/10-attributes-high-performing-teams/

Transactional emphasizes actual, actionable transactions between a leader and their subordinates.  While transformational leaders act as role models and motivators who offer vision, excitement, encouragement, morale boost, and satisfaction to the followers.

• Build a rapport with the people you're working with.

• Make practical solutions (Make things you want them to do easier than what they are currently doing)

• One thing at a time 

• Be an active listener,not a transmitter

Resources 

Ashman, G (2020, March 7) How to influence teachers. Filling the Pail 

Will M. (2023,  November 28) Could reimaging teaching help teachers love their jobs more here’s how. Education Week

Laker, B and Patel, C (2020, August 28) Strengthen Your Ability to Influence People.Harvard Business Review

What is a Unicorn?

Think about the people you have interacted with that have stood out as being exceptional. These people are highly desirable but difficult to find. These are the unicorns.

The premise of the book is that leaders should exhibit 12 habits. The book claims that these habits will give you the wow factor that allows you to stand out from your peers and become irreplaceable in your position. The habits were developed based on various data point, which are included throughout the book. For each habit, the author provides a description, examples, the data that was used, tips for cultivating the habit, and why hiring managers appreciate the quality.

1.      The Fast – are responsive and decisive.

2.      The Authentic – are real and honest.

3.      The Agile – flexible and adaptive.

4.      The Solver – when faced with a challenge, they provide solutions.

5.      The Anticipator – thinks about the future and plans for it.

6.      The Prepared – you perform better when you have prepared for the various possibilities of a situation.

7.      The Self-Aware – to know your strengths and weaknesses.

8.      The Curious – always learning and growing.

9.      The Connected - build relationships with others.

10.   The Likable - people choose likability over data.

11.   The Productive - make the best use of their time.

12.   The Purpose Driven - let their purpose guide their actions.