Hi Maurice:

It is interesting that you should talk about collaboration- which I feel is just one of the most important skills we can teach our students. The world is changing drastically and in order for us to innovate and solve problems we must learn how to be better collaborators. I have been doing a lot of writing on my blog about collaboration tools that really change the dynamics of communication and empower people to get things done by using the web. It is a changing world and collaboration is key to accomplishing ones goals.

Regards
Brian S Friedlander
http://assistivetek.blogspot.com

I think that I could try to work with this more. Personally I like to get things done my way and only my way, so that I feel that it's done right. But also as a teacher I know that you must work in unit teams, and with parents for a successful well rounded classroom.

Brian makes an excellent point. There are many new tools available for social connectivity and these tools make collaboration easier for people in different school buildings, whether in one district or across districts or across the country. It's possible to find collaborators now for almost anything. Please stay tuned to the www.teachSECD.com web site around January 1, 2010, as we launch new efforts to facilitate collaboration around SECD for educators and parents in the U.S. and literally around the world!

Before now, I hadn't heard of Lou Holtz, but he sure does make a lot of sense. The beginning of each school year can be overwhelming. I'm in my 6th year of teaching and each year it does get a little easier. I am a big believer in setting goals. Some call this a "to do" list, but they're really my goals for the day. By prioritizing those goals, it helps me to stay focused on my prep, when it's really easy to get lazy.

This year, I have increased my collaboration with colleagues by attending voluntary weekly meetings with others in my department. It has been so helpful! At these meetings we discuss issues going on in the department, and we all collaborate to help solve the issues, or develop a way to work around them more smoothly.

Collaboration and goal setting have been key to the start of my school year!

Thanks for the reminder that something as simple as the way we greet students every day can have a profound impact. What we found at our after school program is that the greeting as kids file arrive really sets the tone for what follows. A smile, an enthusiastic hello, a pat on the back - these signal to kids that they are valued. And when they feel cared for and connected, that emotional connection really unlocks learning. Plus these are low-tech tools that don't blow the budget!!!

Very true! With budgets the way they are, we certainly need cost effective ways of connecting with our students. It makes a difference when you take a moment to greet your students and ask how their day is going. Sometimes, you are the only one who will ask them that all day.

Maurice,

Thank you for sharing some simple, but good advice from Lou Holtz. Coming from a business background, the saying was, "Work smarter, not harder" also. When everyone shares and works as a team, the smaller tasks get accomplished faster, leaving time and energy for larger, time-consuming tasks.

You also mentioned "the social-emotional and character development of students". Each morning I also greet my students and address each individual with something positive. It takes only a minute, but that minute has improved the self-esteem of the students and sets the tone for the day.

As teaching professionals, it is up to us to collaborate and work toward goals to make us the best that we can be for successful student learning.

Hi Michele,

I had never heard of Lou Holtz either! However, as he began to speak, I listened and could easily agree with him. I think as teachers we have the natural ability to try to stay organized. It makes our day run smooth and there is a less likely chance of negative peer interaction. Everyday we set objectives to obtain during the day; they could also called be goals. His most important comment I thought was when he said even though you may have not been successful the first few times does not mean you will not be successful today! That is what I try to instill in my students. If you first don't succeed try,try,try again.

Personally, I agree with you about the importance of greetings. But, I'd like to offer just one tip. Use other people's names when you greet them. Everybody likes to hear the sound of their name. It simply makes them feel good. Use names and you'll find that the relationships that comprise your professional work become ever easier to manage.

I agree that collaboration is the key to getting more done. I am in my twelfth year in the classroom and this is the first time that I have been fortunate enough to be involved in a team of educators that truly collaborates well together. We all have the same values and goals and all desire the best for our students. We have been in school for eight weeks this year and I have never had a more energizing start to a school year. Because of the synergy in our collaboration, we are producing a product that is far better than any of us could produce on our own. I am a firm believer that "many hands make light work."

I also definitely agree that being warm and genuine and showing concern for the well-being of the students, colleagues and parents that we interact with definitely does make our work load easier. A smile and a kind greeting are simple gestures that can have a big impact. I think a positive attitude and modeling of these behaviors becomes contagious. Students want to work hard for a teacher that is connected and caring. Parents are more supportive of a teacher who communicates with them effectively and in a positive way. I appreciate your reminders for ways that we can work smarter this school year.