With leaders that are struggling and need help, consultants can help craft a vision. It’s a function of time. If they want you for a day, then it is difficult. In order to make a change, it has to be sustained. Be flexible for different teachers because they have to decide what they want in their classrooms.
This is how we are going to it for now but after we learn more, tweak it.
Being the Consultant
- Be aware of culture. It is difficult to know the culture. The person who brought you in wants you to be their voice.
- Do a complete needs assessment. Online survey before we meet. Data we need before we start: Strategic plan, student data, and teacher data.
- What is going on with your curriculum?
- You cannot win everyone over.
Best PD is job-embedded, small groups, and ongoing. Yet, bringing the inspirational speaker lights the spark and conversations. Try to get people to think about the reflection. If we come in and work with you in June, is this really be the best time for your teachers to have PD?
What should schools expect from consultants?
- Being honest.
- Be clear about expectations.
Question – why do we need to bring consultants in if the teacher leaders can do the PD?
It’s a matter of achieving a balance of model 21st century instruction so teachers can do that with their students. Sometimes bringing in a consultant supports what you are doing in your school. Sometimes you as the teacher leader you are not a prophet in your own land.
