Switch Up Staff Meetings
Don't waste another minute going over logistical minutiae!
Try these ideas for more meaningful, purposeful staff meetings!
Student-Led Feedback Loops
Give students the chance to share their opinions about school. What do you like/dislike? How can it be improved? What should we keep/get rid of? Understanding the student viewpoint can lead to significant improvement!
The Silent Classroom Walk
Walk with colleagues from one classroom to another. Observe. Record observations and feedback on sticky notes. Come together to share and reflect! Learn from the local experts!
PD LIFT (Learning & Innovation From Teachers)
Partner with other local schools to make PD more impactful. Gather once a month to share and learn from each other. This type of collaboration can provide a different perspective and help everyone to grow as learners.
15-Minute Standing Meeting
If a meeting doesn’t need to be 45 minutes or an hour, it shouldn’t be. Have everyone stand and share anything relevant or meaningful. Anyone with nothing to share can pass. Make your next meeting more efficient and effective.
Thanks to Edutopia for the Inspiration!
No Staff Meeting. No Problem.
If you don’t have something meaningful to share, cancel the meeting and let colleagues use the time on their own to accomplish something meaningful.
Thanks to Chris Dodge for the Idea!
Student Led-PD
Get your students involved in your next PD session! Have students share websites or Apps during Appy Hour, lead a discussion on homework, or collaborate with teachers during Genius Hour.
Share & Collaborate
Teachers learn best from each other! Partner with another school for staff meetings. Alternate locations and have colleagues share their expertise!
Slow PD
We usually rush from one PD topic to the next! Slow it down. Start a meeting with one question & follow up with 30-60 minutes of deep discussion and meaningful conversation around the topic.
VCR
The key to meaningful learning at staff meetings is teachers finding Voice, Choice, & Relevance. Host mini-edcamp sessions where teachers determine what & how to learn, relevant to each of their roles.
Thanks to Jon Craig for Sharing!
A PD Challenge
Use meeting time to host a Professional Learning Challenge. Staff can choose any number of activities & work with accountability partners to learn together. Use the #4OCF template.
Mystery Staff Meeting
Connect with another school and model a Mystery Hangout for Staff. Try to determine where the other educators are joining from, and model thoughtful questions to think critically.
Walk and Talk
Take your meeting outside. Get up and out, walk and talk and share. Present a topic to discuss before the walking commences, or let the participants choose their own from a list!
Tip Jars
Staff grab a marble from a jar and vote by placing their marble in either of the two empty jars as they enter the meeting. Label each jar with one of two topics and be prepared to present each.
Human Hungry Hungry Hippos
When you feel like colleagues need a fun, refreshing break, try Human Hungry Hungry Hippos. Look it up on Youtube. A few scooters, plastic balls, clothes baskets & you are all set. You will never have more fun at a staff meeting and everyone will leave feeling energized!
Chat Stations
Adapted from Jennifer Gonzalez & the Cult of Pedagogy - Staff move from station to station with discussion topics. Model the strategy so that colleagues can use with students. Easy to implement while creating meaningful conversation.
Picnic PD
Each teacher brings an instructional strategy, and teachers travel from “blanket” to “blanket” learning from each other. Pair this with actual picnic food, and you have a winner.
Genius Hour
Give teachers the opportunity to bring their passions to their learning. Teachers can use time to create or learn about something new. Chances are the learning will find its way back to students.
Speed Dating
Teachers each share a resource or instructional strategy for 2 minutes before meeting another “date.” At the end of the session, teachers can meet with someone to discuss a resource in more depth.
Dot It
Give each teacher several colored dot stickers, & ask them to rate their performance in a particular area. Stickers go on chart paper:
Red=Never
Yellow=Seldom
Green=Frequently
Blue=Always
Discussion follows.
QR Code Scavenger Hunt
Teachers can find QR Code clues or messages around the building. Each QR Code can ask them to share a specific resource or idea with colleagues. Share via social media or Google Doc.
Problem Solving Summit
Have staff brainstorm a list of problems. Focus on 1-2 and Collaborate on possible solutions.
Appy Hour!
Pick several new Apps, Websites or Tech Resources. Have a teacher or student share each one. Let teachers choose which they want to learn about.
Host a Discussion
Set up chairs in a circle, and let teachers discuss a topic like behavior management or Homework. Share resources and strategies.
Model a Lesson
Let teachers see what is expected of a writing lesson on mentor texts. Ask teachers to write and share.
Use Centers
Set up 4-5 centers with a variety of topics. Let teachers choose which they want to attend. Share out at the end of the meeting.
Time to go ROGUE with your PD!?!?!
Are you a new teacher or a veteran looking for a spark?
Four O'Clock Faculty
Email: 4oclockfaculty@gmail.com
Website: www.fouroclockfaculty.com
Twitter: @4OClockFaculty