Our school is a small country school and has pupils from year 0-8. It serves families of the local village (which was once a thriving mill town) and surrounding rural area. In the past it has been known for it’s small friendly feel, it’s rural flavour and the children’s resilience. Everyone knows everyone and it is one of the central parts of the local community. As Stoll (1998) says “A school’s culture is shaped by its history, context and the people in it”. In the past 12 years there have been eight principals. Our school attracts principals who are looking to get some experience before they head to another position. This has had an impact on the school community as they make changes and ‘put their stamp on things’. The school values are built around the acronym ‘Together” as explained in my last blogpost. The longer serving staff have seen many initiatives implemented. We are in a rebuilding phase at present.
What are the current issues in your community of practice?
One of the current issues at our school involves personnel. We have two new teachers, including a beginning teacher and myself. We also have a new principal who has had a year in his current role. His initial changes engaged the community with the school, and were based on the school environment.This happened quite rapidly. He is at the stage of evaluating and is now looking toward pedagogical change. The principal is the educational leader who leads and manages the charge on both the climate and culture front. One of those changes was to move a teacher to a different level, and employ me in the vacated position. I also took on a team leader position. There has been some resistance to the changes and these are issues that are being worked through. One of the remarks I have heard on more than one occasion is “that’s the way we have always done it”. As Wilson (2013) mentions we are in the process of coming together, and defining what is it we wish to be, and why.
How would your community of practice address them?
It has been a period of adjustment for our community of practice. The expectations and processes have changed and this has taken some time to adapt to. There have been meetings and forums where people can discuss and reflect on events. There has been a period of re-building in teams so everyone has input and is on the same page. It’s the people that build and create the culture and climate of a school. Therefore is important to value and build relationships.
What are the challenges that you face in your community of practice?
There are numerous challenges that I face in my community of practice. I am a recent arrival and am ‘therefore learning the ropes’. I am considered to be a change merchant. I bring outside ideas and experience and am constantly questioning and having things clarified. I have the confidence to ask the ‘why’ and ‘how’ questions, which is surprising, (as I have never been in this position before!) In my team leader role my thinking and beliefs have been challenged and tested. I have had to have professional conversations with my team, about their practice. They have differing amounts of knowledge and experience. Stoll (1998) talks about the four teaching cultures. Ideally we are heading toward collaboration “where teachers choose either spontaneously and voluntarily to work together, without an external control agenda. Forms include sharing ideas and materials, mutual observation and focused reflective inquiry.” I have had to step up as a leader, to guide and assist the team.
How would your community of practice address them?
There has been support measures put in place. Teachers who need advice and guidance have received it. There have been planning meetings, mutual observations and reflections. This has been part of the collegial relations that Stoll, (1998) details. We have engaged in ‘joint work’. This is said to be the most beneficial as it “creates greater interdependence, collective commitment, shared responsibility and participation in reviews and critiques.” (Stoll, 1998) Personally I have had to seek support and clarification from seasoned colleagues who can draw on years of experiences. Their reassurance and counsel has been valued.
References
Academy for SELinSchools ( 2015, Apr 28) What is school culture and climate? Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z-_NvhlcusQ
Stoll (1998). School Culture. School Improvement Network’s Bulletin 9. Institute of Education, University of London. Retrieved fromhttp://www.educationalleaders.govt.nz/Culture/Understanding-school-cultures/School-Culture
TEdEd(2013, Jun 21). Building a culture of success - Mark Wilson. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n_8Bjz-OCD8
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