Adaptive Schools Foundations Seminar (4-Day, In-person Training Only)
https://www.thinkingcollaborative.com
Description: The training explores what makes teams effective, and how to develop skills as facilitators and informed group members in informal and formal settings, in small and large groups. It takes participants beyond the idea of professional learning communities to the actual implementation, describing specific ways to weave the collaborative fabric of a faculty, develop group member skills, and acquire the principles and understandings to engage in a continuous cycle of team and individual improvement. Adaptive Schools is the “how” of professional learning communities: how to behave in groups, how to lead them, and how to facilitate them for improved leading, teaching, and learning.
Goal: The goal of Adaptive Schools Seminars is to develop the collective identity and capacity of organization members as collaborators and inquirers and leaders.
In the four-day Adaptive Schools Foundation Seminar, participants will develop:
- An increased capacity to initiate, develop and sustain high functioning groups
- New lenses for diagnosing the stages and phases of group development
- An expanded repertoire of practical facilitation tools
- Understandings of when and how to engage groups in dialogue and discussion, the limitations, forms and values of each
- Skills to move groups beyond consensus to common focus
- Ways to value and use dissension, argument and conflict
- Strategies for keeping group members on track, on topic, energized and resourceful
Teachers as Facilitators (Two-Day Training)
https://teachersasfacilitators.com
Audience: School leaders who facilitate meetings (i.e., PLCs), Teacher Leaders, and Instructional Facilitators.
Description: Our goal is to increase the quality of collaboration that produces benefits for students. You will gain an enhanced understanding of the importance of facilitation. Through a variety of learning formats, you will experience the effects of the Five Mindsets and recognize them in facilitation. You will increase your efficacy and repertoire of tools and processes to operationalize each Mindset. This two-day training is perfect for teacher leaders, administrators, and others who facilitate meetings in your district.
The Five Mindsets:
- Seeing a Group As It Could Be
- Groups Grant Consent
- Prepare… Don't Attach
- Diversity Enriches
- Never Let a Conflict Go to Waste
Never Let A Conflict Go To Waste (Customized Full-Day Training)
Description: Conflict is inevitable, and until it's addressed, it becomes increasingly difficult to work with. Just as clouds have silver linings, conflict can bring attention to existing issues hidden in plain view. Reframing conflict as a learning opportunity can help leaders navigate tension in the workplace that often leaves them feeling unheard, undervalued, and stressed. This session touches on microaggressions, differing perceptions, and other forms of workplace conflict. Participants will leave with guiding principles, strategies, and tools to help navigate conflict.
- Overview of the Five TAF Mindsets
- A deeper dive into Diversity Enriches
- Never Let A Conflict Go To Waste
Authentic Listening (Customized Full, Half, or Virtual Training)
Description: Promoting a spirit of inquiry and authentic listening is essential in providing better outcomes. This workshop is an opportunity to build capacity in authentic listening and inquiry. This session introduces foundational components of communication tools that help others feel seen, heard, and valued. The intent is for participants to understand the what, why, and how of mindfulness, listening to understand, and posing questions. Whether collaborating with teammates, leading a department, interacting with families, or leading a school, these skills help provide greater outcomes and understanding.
- Mindfulness
- Listening to Understanding
- Inquiry