16. The Essence of a Strong "Community" starts with Relationship

This we believe (NMSA, 2010).

*The school includes community and business partners. Community & Business

I have participated in three days of orientation at my new district. I was struck by the consistency with which we heard how deeply committed the district educational leaders, school board members, and community partners are to the children in this system. Even today when the research analyst was giving an overview of EVAAS (Educational Value-Added Assessment System), his first words were 'our children are more than a test score'. The spirit and energy and sheer joy and pleasure to be "in this together" permeated every speaker, every event, every exercise we participated in. I am reminded of the importance of starting the year in celebration and anticipation, in advocacy and joy, under the umbrella that teachers are valued at all levels. 

Superintendent Garrett welcoming the new teachers to the County.

I was also struck by how the district appears to not only "grow their own" teachers (about half of the new teachers grew up in this district), but also how open the entire community has been to welcoming new members, from outside the district, to their system. I was further inspired by the efforts taken by this district and their partners to ensure that their children's health and nutritional needs are taken care of. This full-service school system is truly addressing the needs of the whole child. And while we often hear people complaining about government cutbacks, the needs of these children, in this district, are being taken care of.

It appears that this system also takes their role of nurturing and advocating for new teachers very seriously. Every day we heard stories of how teachers make a difference. We heard from multiple stakeholders: The superintendent, instructional coaches, the president of the school board, the mayor, and the head of the Chamber of Commerce. Every one of them talked about the importance and value of relationships. Everyone spoke from the heart and inspired us to build relationships.

We rode on a school bus through the entire district taking in the diverse communities we serve; we participated in exercises to learn more about the demographics of this district, state laws, how community partners assist in supporting the children, and we learned ways to engage all learners.

The plethora of instructional coaches, who will look after us, are the former and current movers and shakers of the district. Their experiences are wide and deep; and their expertise collectively expands over a century of innovation, passion, and reflection on what it takes to meet the needs of the children in this district. Their enthusiasm and expertise were presented openly and held a "we can do this" spirit of support and dedication to helping new teachers be successful personally and professionally. One new teacher shared, "I feel like this district has a plan and I feel good about working with them." One of the coaches shared, "The leadership in this district is ripe to make a difference." You could feel the electricity of "we can do this; and we want you to help us" throughout the three days.

The orientation followed guidelines from the state and laid a foundation for beginning teachers.
I hope that all beginning teachers are given the support and inspiration that this district has given to us.

Advice

1) Start every year, regardless of whether it is your first or 30th year, whether you are a principal, assistant, custodian, administrative assistant, media specialist, guidance counselor, or teacher, in celebration and anticipation, in advocacy and joy, under the umbrella that together we can make a difference.

2) Nurture and advocate for beginning teachers. It cannot be a once and done experience. Support must be sustained, ongoing, intentional, and differentiated.

3) We must never forget that we truly do make a difference in the lives of children.

4) School districts must dig deeply into the depth veteran teachers bring and veteran teachers must dig deeply into the importance of advocating for and supporting those who are beginning their journey.

5) It's all about relationships to improve morale, take on challenges, risks, and make a difference.