This week didn't involve much work outside of class, but did include an in-class simulation. We worked in groups as members of the Verifine School District and we were asked to help change the district into a continuously improving learning community. There were many "players" involved, whom we needed to convince our ideas were great. We had to select which activities would be best to move people along with us and "buy into" our learning community. After some initial roadblocks, my team got on a roll and moved several people across our game board. We found that communication is key, especially with administrators, if we were going to get people to agree with us.
Outside of class, we were asked to think about how climate can affect success, influence leadership, and learning. In my opinion, a healthy climate is key for everyone to be successful. In a poor climate, or environment, it can be difficult to want to be a leader and make changes to improve the climate. In a negative climate, those attitudes can be very contagious and tough to break. Keeping a positive climate and environment is needed.
We were also asked to consider morale in our current teaching position. Every school is different and I think that administration has a lot to do with morale in a school environment. Actually, administration and management have a lot to do with morale in any work environment.
