collegiality in schools

[Kon Bouzikos]

After working for more than 12 years , I have realised that collegiality amongst staff is not always present in schools. All staff members need to feel that they are part of a team, and need to trust and share ideas with one another. Schools have become so busy that there is little time for staff to interact both socially and professionally.

[Angela]

I agree, Kon. I also think this issue is at the very heart of every other problem we tend to face as educators. Are there particular strategies or practices that you or others put in place to build better collegiality? I'm always on the look out for these sorts of things, because I do much work with learning teams and communities in schools. Welcome to the ning by the way!

[NinaD]

I have to agree. The contract system in Australia doesn't help either. Some young teachers are literally competing for ongoing employment and I've been on enough panels to say that. Decreasing competition is a key. I share all, but not everyone does. Some staff sit on knowledge - the old 'knowledge is power' plays a part. My question when on a panel would be, 'how do you share what you do with others'.
This is a very complex issue - I've watched and been part of team building strategies for what seems forever, and haven't seen a really effective model. I often hand out info to teachers who have asked me for something and get the response, oh thanks for that, I have seen it but it was a while ago! Yeah, well that's amazing because it's only just been written, but I don't say that. I just say, I'm glad I could help you. Some educators find it difficult to admit they don't know everything - team building involves true learning from each other. However, sharing the knowledge is more important, as building the capacity of others will improve student learning and that's what I'm about!
I'm always recognising the achievements of others as I think it encourages them to be more active.The key is good leadership. I see a good leader as building the capacity of teams and individuals. Sometimes our leaders spend a great deal of time building their own capacity as they can be very competitive, and that's partly why they're in those positions. Big statement - maybe that'll fire up some discussion here.
However, regardless, I keep sharing and thanking those who share with me. I also agree with the time issue as we have the same problem at my school, but this issue goes far deeper. Sorry, this response is a bit jumbled as I have many thoughts on this issue! To sum up...
'yes' all staff should feel part of a team, but they need to be a team player too. Cheers Nina ... and nice to see you here!

[Kon Bouzikos]

Thanks Nina
Unfortunately schools have become battlegrounds where jealousy and envy often prevails. You are right we need to be focusing on team building, after all teachers all work in teams and do not always get along(sadly) yet what is the school doing to address rivalry or tension amongst staff,. No wonder good teachers are leaving the system , are burnt out, stressed. At the end of the day staff wellbeing has to be on top of the agenda for any school . Teaching is boith physically and mentally draining at times and no one liked to work in anenvironemnt where respect for the other is ignored and giben very little attentions. All human n beings crave for one thing respect. schools nned to become places where respect is modelled by all.

Kon


NinaD said:

I have to agree. The contract system in Australia doesn't help either. Some young teachers are literally competing for ongoing employment and I've been on enough panels to say that. Decreasing competition is a key. I share all, but not everyone does. Some staff sit on knowledge - the old 'knowledge is power' plays a part. My question when on a panel would be, 'how do you share what you do with others'.
This is a very complex issue - I've watched and been part of team building strategies for what seems forever, and haven't seen a really effective model. I often hand out info to teachers who have asked me for something and get the response, oh thanks for that, I have seen it but it was a while ago! Yeah, well that's amazing because it's only just been written, but I don't say that. I just say, I'm glad I could help you. Some educators find it difficult to admit they don't know everything - team building involves true learning from each other. However, sharing the knowledge is more important, as building the capacity of others will improve student learning and that's what I'm about!
I'm always recognising the achievements of others as I think it encourages them to be more active.The key is good leadership. I see a good leader as building the capacity of teams and individuals. Sometimes our leaders spend a great deal of time building their own capacity as they can be very competitive, and that's partly why they're in those positions. Big statement - maybe that'll fire up some discussion here.
However, regardless, I keep sharing and thanking those who share with me. I also agree with the time issue as we have the same problem at my school, but this issue goes far deeper. Sorry, this response is a bit jumbled as I have many thoughts on this issue! To sum up...
'yes' all staff should feel part of a team, but they need to be a team player too. Cheers Nina ... and nice to see you here!