Jen D.'s wall of collaboration by Jen

"Sometimes conflicts arise and its often passion that fuels them. It is our job to look through the emotion and remember we are all here for a common goal."

jendevine3 — 2014-01-12 21:54:45 UTC

Passion is a well respected trait in every profession. Throughout our school building the passion of the adults is evident. We love kids here. Yet, there is an effort to outshine one another. All three people shared that they have attended meeting and there was a lot of arrogance and showing off in the room, especially when an administrator was present. There was a lot of talking but little actual listening to one another. Often meetings are conducted with limited time constraints. In the past, agendas have proved helpful to keep the team focused on the goal. Otherwise, ego becomes a barrier in communication.

"Doing what is best for kids is not easy, but its necessary and its worth it..."

jendevine3 — 2014-01-12 21:54:48 UTC

Time is a major barrier with communication. We often have meetings before school, during lunch and prep times, and many hours of night/weekend work. The paperwork demands on teachers impedes the actual amount of preparation time teachers have for lessons. There is so little time during the school day to communicate with colleagues. Through observation and communication is the BEST way I have learned during my career!

"Everyday containes roses and throrns. Its our job to find roses. Somedays are harder than others…"

jendevine3 — 2014-01-12 21:54:51 UTC

I purposely chose these 3 individuals because they are a constant source of support, positivity and humor. We strive to create a positive learning community within our classrooms. We need to model that for one another. I have purposely joined committees when I know one or more of these people will be involved. It results in me becoming a more active member of the school community. They all agreed if we could alter the climate more staff would want to participate in more activities rather than running out the door at the end of the day. If tasks were delegated fairly, or staff volunteered for them then it would give them more ownership and a sense that their opinion is important and influential.

"There is no "I" in team"

jendevine3 — 2014-01-12 21:54:55 UTC

Delegation can be a source of contention. In meetings with multiple professionals, the end result is more work for the same one or two professionals. This can create a resentful environment as those who get paid the least are doing the most work.

This graphic served as the perfect illustration of the way collaboration should occur. Each team member is valued, equal and respected.

"Together we can impact the world. Apart we can do nothing."

jendevine3 — 2014-01-12 21:54:57 UTC

For this activity, I interviewed three people I thought were expert examples of appropriate communication. It is too easy to criticize one another. Instead, I wanted to make this a positive learning experience. I interviewed a second grade teacher, K-2 reading specialist, and a former parent. I interviewed them extensively about collaboration practices. I noticed that all of them had faced adversity in this field. However, they were productive and purposeful. I used quotes I heard from these colleagues as headers for each photo. Re-reading the red quotes on my wall, I realize I work with some wonderful people.