(In my louder voice-not yelling —but matter-of-fact)
When you change a teacher’s grade level this is what happens.
This now new teacher has to:
✔️ Gain new knowledge of how kids learn at the particular age range/grade level you’ve been changed to
✔️ Learn new standards to teach
✔️ Learn curriculum or new grade level curriculum
✔️ Learn a new team culture and dynamics
✔️ Room change (oh the brain power in setting up a new space 😖)
✔️ Wall learning decor change (if I move from 1st to 5th some of the learning support I have on my walls is different)
✔️ Classroom library change/new books (especially if the grade level jump is significant.)
✔️ Be honest about the many emotions that is coming up for them with that change
This is just a few. I’m sure there is more.
If you are a teacher and want a fresh and new grade level —that is awesome! I’ve been there and wanted a change! These ⬆️ are some of the things to take into account when you make the change.
If you are a leader, and are making changes, especially a bunch of changes, know that you are essentially creating new teachers and teams. Some of that change may be beyond your control. We know that.
Leaders, here are some tips for easing into these changes:
✔️ Have these conversations with compassion and be transparent about the why behind the change.
✔️Ask yourself and have the answer to this question—> What are you going to do as a leader to offer support to these new teachers and teams now created?
✔️ Let your leadership team be in the loop—your AP, your Instructional Coach, Team Leads, etc. These are some of the folks that will be helping to support these new teachers and teams.
(🎤 placed gently down on the soap box. 🤣😂)
Love. Teach. Bless. 