Teacher leaders can be dynamic
conduits for connect school community resources to meet student needs and
improve outcomes. As noted in the School-Community Partnerships guide from
UCLA, community agencies and schools have reciprocal actions and goals for the
sustainable improvements of children’s lives. Teacher leaders can be open and
initiate contact with community agencies and businesses whose areas overlap
with the mission of the school to foster collaboration and extend learning and
support beyond the classroom walls to wrap around the students. An even closer
resource for students at hand: the family connection. By reaching out to
families, teachers can build upon home based knowledge and tap into “funds of
knowledge” that can only be accessed through genuine family engagement.
In Chapter 11 of Digital Leadership, Sheninger details the transformative nature of partnerships by sharing a case which illustrates the benefits of going beyond the classroom walls to procure and nurture partnerships both near (community) and far (national/global). Maplewood Richmond Heights School District established “cornerstones of learning,” then sought out partnerships to support them to enhance engagement and achievement, and provide students with opportunity and power to experience how actions affect change in the real world.University, Experiential Learning, Intraschool, Corporate/Community, and Mental Health partnerships were built and continue to function to aid students in becoming proficient global citizens by giving them the chance to expand beyond the boundaries of the classroom. Sheninger also details more benefits of following the Pillars of Digital Leadership can offer the development of synchronistic opportunities via the use of social media.
In Chapter 12, Sheninger brings the narrative
back to the importance of the human connection and interpersonal communication
skills and human interactions. He explains that technology is used to enhance,
not replace, instruction. Sheninger puts out a “Call to Action” for leaders to
step up, embody the Digital Pillars, and help steer their schools into the
future with meaningful purpose, dynamic outreach, and careful implementation.
1 comment:
Excellent post! Teacher leaders who are strong communicators tend to earn the trust of their colleagues, parents and community members. Pushing out our messages to stakeholders as digital leaders makes us more transparent and accessible.
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