Connexionsmodule: m43675 1 Theory into Practice: A Study to Assess the Influence of a Customized Leadership Development Program on a Cohort of Aspiring Urban Leaders ∗ Michael Stearns Lisabeth Margulus John Shinsky This work is produced by The Connexions Project and licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution License † Abstract GrandValleyStateUniversity(GVSU)inconjunctionwiththeGrandRapidsMichiganPublicSchools (GRPS) collaborated to implement a Wallace Foundation Grant Program designed to develop urban schoolleaders. Thetheoreticalconstructsoftheprogramwereevidentintheresearchonleadershipand change. This research formed a basis for the customized program content. Three major constructs were explored: (a)characteristicsofe(cid:27)ectiveleadership,(b)changeandcommunitiesofpractice,andc)adults as learners. The program coordinated state standards, integrated district initiatives, and provided the aspiring leaders/candidates with skill sets that could be transferred to current and future settings. The programwascreatedaroundacohortmodel,withparticipantswhowerecarefullyselectedforleadership development. TheGRPSdistrictleadershipchosetheparticipantsbasedontheirpotentialforsuccessful urban school leadership. The implementation of the program by GVSU faculty was based on a unique team teaching approach. The instructional team members were selected based on their urban school leadershipexperienceandtheirhighlysuccessfulcollegiateteachingexperience. GVSUfacultyprepared a customized course of study for the cohort participants. Ultimately, the course of study was designed to lead the participants toward a Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership or Educational Specialist Degree. There was an expectation that all cohort participants would complete (a) a degree-seeking program,(b)therequiredcoursesneededtoobtainBasicAdministratorCerti(cid:28)cation,or(c)aMichigan CentralO(cid:30)ceEndorsement. Allaspiringleaders/candidateshadacustomizedplannedprogramprepared for them, outlining how they would be able to complete the course of study A survey of participants at the conclusion of the program strongly indicated the value of the cohort model in their development of skills to be e(cid:27)ective urban school leaders. At present, approximately 90% of the cohort participants either remain or have been promoted as urban school administrators. ∗Version1.5: Jun24,20123:31pmGMT-5 †http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/ http://cnx.org/content/m43675/1.5/ Connexionsmodule: m43675 2 note: Thismanuscripthasbeenpeer-reviewed,accepted,andisendorsedbytheNationalCouncil of Professors of Educational Administration (NCPEA) as a signi(cid:28)cant contribution to the schol- arship and practice of education administration. In addition to publication in the International Journal of Educational Leadership Preparation,1 Volume 7, Number 2 (Summer 2012), ISSN 2155- 9635, this manuscript exists in the Connexions Content Commons as an Open Education Resource (OER). Formatted and edited by Theodore Creighton, Virginia Tech; Brad Bizzell, Radford Uni- versity; and Janet Tareilo, Stephen F. Austin State University. The assignment of topic editor and double-blindreviewsaremanagedbyEditor,LindaLemasters,GeorgeWashingtonUniversity. The IJELPisindexedintheEducationResourcesInformationCenter(ERIC),sponsoredbytheUnited States Department of Education. Sumario en espaæol En julio, 2008, el Michigan Aline(cid:243) Sistema del Desarrollo de L(cid:237)der Grant fue (cid:28)nanciado por la Base de Wal- lace. LaBasedeWallaceesunaorganizaci(cid:243)n(cid:28)lantr(cid:243)picanacionalcuyamisi(cid:243)nesdemejorarelvivedeniæos desventajados. Uno de sus objetivos es de desarrollar calidad l(cid:237)deres urbanos de escuela como una manera de lograr esta misi(cid:243)n. El objetivo del subsidio fue de establecer un sistema alineado del desarrollo de lider- azgo entre el Departamento de Michigan de la Educaci(cid:243)n (MDE), los colegios y las universidades, distritos intermedios de escuela, K-12 distritos de la escuela, y organizaciones profesionales mayores. La Universidad occidental de Michigan y el Departamento de Michigan de la Educaci(cid:243)n sirvieron como investigadores de co-director. note: Esta es una traducci(cid:243)n por computadora de la pÆgina web original. Se suministra como informaci(cid:243)n general y no debe considerarse completa ni exacta. 1 Introduction In July, 2008, the Michigan Aligned System of Leader Development Grant was funded through the Wallace Foundation. The Wallace Foundation is a national philanthropic organization whose mission is to improve the lives of disadvantaged children. One of their goals is to develop quality urban school leaders as a way to achieve this mission. The goal of the grant was to establish an aligned system of leadership development amongtheMichiganDepartmentofEducation(MDE),collegesanduniversities,intermediateschooldistricts, K-12 school districts, and major professional organizations. Western Michigan University and the Michigan Department of Education served as co-principal investigators. Asaresultofthisgrant,collegesanduniversitiesfromacrossthestateofMichiganwereaskedtoapplyto becomeaneducationalpartnerwiththeGrandRapidsPublicSchools(GRPS)todevelopanaspiringleaders program. At the conclusion of the grant program an independent study was conducted. The study focused on the accomplishments of the grant components and to determine its in(cid:29)uence on the grant participants. The study also wanted to gather information on program viability that could be shared with a broader audience of urban school leaders and university professors of educational leadership. 1http://www.ncpeapublications.org/latest-issue-ijelp.html http://cnx.org/content/m43675/1.5/ Connexionsmodule: m43675 3 2 Background TheGRPSwasalogicalchoicefortheimplementationoftheAspiringLeadersProgrambecauseofitsurban demographics. One major component of the grant was to extend the learning from this program to provide coachingandmentoringforprincipalsofnon-Title1highpriorityschools. Othercomponentsoftheprogram included: • Developing a leadership academy to increase the pool of aspiring leaders especially in urban school districts • Assisting major professional organizations to develop and implement an MDE-approved endorsement and enhancement program for practicing administrators • Developing a certi(cid:28)ed teacher leadership program • Creating a toolkit for the MDE that included VAL-ED, an assessment instrument for administrator performance developed by Vanderbilt University in conjunction with the Wallace Foundation Thepurposeoftheleadershipacademywastodevelopacustomizedprogramthatwouldresultinadministra- tor certi(cid:28)cation for aspiring administrators. The academy would be collaboratively developed by university professors and representatives from the GRPS, and would adhere to the following components: 1. Maintain the integrity of colleges and/or universities involved. 2. Meet State of Michigan certi(cid:28)cation standards. 3. Address the unique needs of a school district. 4. Provide a leadership academy on-site within the GRPS system. 5. Work collaboratively with grant participants to meet their expressed needs in leadership training. It was expected that o(cid:30)cials from the GRPS and professors from the colleges or universities selected would establish the curriculum jointly and address these components, in addition to incorporating current district initiatives into the program. The College of Education at Grand Valley State University (GVSU) was very pleased to be selected to participatewiththeGRPSindevelopingthisleadershipacademyandbecomepartoftheWallaceFoundation Grant. As GRPS and GVSU began their planning e(cid:27)orts for this grant, it became clear that it was important to select university professors who had administrative experience and expertise related to large urban K-12 settings. Inaddition,itwasdecidedthatateamofthreeprofessorswouldworkcollaborativelyontheproject. This team of three professors all had a variety of urban leadership experiences in elementary, middle, and high school principalships, including a director of special education. Their background knowledge helped maintainaconsistentfocusontheexpectationsofthegrantandbuildrelationshipswiththeaspiringleaders and school district personnel, promoting long-term support and sustainability for the project. The team of professors co-planned and co-taught throughout the entire program. The majority of the students attended the team taught classes, which was an exceptional experience at the university level. A very small number of participants’ schedules did not allow for attendance at all of the team taught classes. Professors agreed to meet outside of class time with these participants which added to the customization of the program. In November 2008, a joint leadership planning team met to answer important questions and clarify planning items that needed to take place prior to starting the program. Those in attendance at the meeting included the chief academic o(cid:30)cer and the directors of elementary and secondary programs for GRPS, the three professors from GVSU, and a grant representative from Western Michigan University. In the fall of 2008, a focus group of approximately 8-10 teachers, administrators, and central o(cid:30)ce sta(cid:27) fromGRPSmettoprovidevariousperspectivesaboutwhatwasexpectedofschoolprincipalsandwhatshould beemphasizedwhenteachingcoursesintheprogram. Schooldistrictpriorities,suchasculturalcompetence, were discussed for incorporation into the program. Participants were also asked what their concerns were as they assumed the role of building principal. Among their concerns that they wanted addressed were: creatingavisionthatchartsacourseforthefutureofaschool; evaluatingsta(cid:27); understandingthedynamics http://cnx.org/content/m43675/1.5/ Connexionsmodule: m43675 4 ofchange;dealingwithgenerationaldi(cid:27)erencesinfaculty;resolvingcon(cid:29)ict;andconductingproductivesta(cid:27) meetings. InDecember2008,anadvisingsessionwashostedatGRPSforaspiringleaders/candidates. Acustomized program was planned for each of the candidates, de(cid:28)ning the speci(cid:28)c courses each of them needed to take toobtainMichiganBasicAdministratorCerti(cid:28)cation. Thiswasanarduoustask, becausemanyparticipants hadtaken1or2master’sclasses, somehadnone, andallwereinneedofexplanationsofwhichcourseswere necessaryandwhy. Becauseadvisingisnotonlyassigningcourses,butanexaminationofastudent’spersonal goals and aspirations, this became a highly time consuming process. The team of three professors took this time and found that it became an important component in relationship building with the participants. 3 Purpose The purpose of this qualitative study program is: 1) to provide information on the speci(cid:28)cs of the Aspiring LeadersProgram; 2)toascertainthein(cid:29)uencetheprogramhadontheparticipantsacquisitionofleadership skill sets; 3) to share lessons learned about customizing leadership training programs for potential urban school leaders. 4 Program Design In January2009, GRPS personnel and GVSU professors met to discuss and map out the curriculum for the aspiring leaders’ Michigan Basic Administrator Certi(cid:28)cation/Master’s Degree program. 4.1 Key Program Components Amodelstructurehighlightingthekeycomponentsoftheleadershipacademyweredeveloped(Figure1). It served as a base for collaborative planning between GRPS and GVSU. Figure 1. Model Structure of Leadership Academy http://cnx.org/content/m43675/1.5/ Connexionsmodule: m43675 5 The program was designed to coordinate state standards, integrate district initiatives, and provide the aspiringleaders/candidateswithskillsetsthatcouldbetransferredtotheircurrentandfuturesettings. The program was designed around a cohort model, with participants who were carefully selected for leadership development. The GRPS district leadership chose the participants based on their current and future po- tential for successful urban school leadership. The participants all were interviewed by a team of district administrators. They were rated on prior work in quasi-administrative roles e.g. school improvement chairs, participation on curriculum committees, and willingness to manage after school activities. They were also screened on ability to share their future goals, writing ability, and their commitment to completing the program if chosen. 4.2 Instructional Delivery: For each case study presented to the group, students were given a theoretical framework that gave an underlying basis for the issue. They were also given an authentic example of how one of the three professors dealtwithsuchasituationintheirpastexperience. Withthecombinationoftheoryandpracticethestudents gainedaproblemsolvingprocesstheycoulduseasaschoolleader. Theprofessorsimpressedonthestudents the notion that simply knowing one administrator’s solution of a problem is not su(cid:30)cient basis on which to form a solution since no two problems have all the same dynamics. Students were required to know theory inordertomaketheirinformedsolutionforthepresentingproblem. Itiswiththeadditionoftheknowledge of a theoretical framework in combination with the knowledge of authentic situations that give a leader a deeper understanding in problem solving. The mantra for the entire program became (cid:16)theory into practice(cid:17). Theclasspresentationsweredoneasateamofthreeprofessors. Thisisamodelseldomseeninauniversity setting; however its e(cid:27)ect on the delivery of the curriculum was crucial to the participants’ understanding. The reason for this is team learning(cid:22)each professor had to be pro(cid:28)cient in every lesson presented whether ornotitwashis/herusuallyassignedclass. Acamaraderiesprungupthatallowedforeachprofessortohold up a mirror to his/her own practice with input from other members of the team. The result of this team teaching made for a richer experience for the participants. The teaming also allowed for a great deal of 1 to 1 and small group discussion, giving each participant more individual attention from the professors. Another component of the instructional delivery, that was a hallmark of the program, was allowing the participants to engage in a Socratic type dialogue around urban education issues. Not only did this strengthen the relationships of members of the cohort but also gave participants a forum in which to share and defend ideas, as well as pose questions to their peers. These discussion and presentation skills are basic to their ability to lead a school faculty. Other critical components of the program design included: • Cohort structure (The group incorporated a diverse membership of GRPS K-12 professionals.) • Course/activity matrix-state standards (Students could see their progress through the standards and how they eventually led to state certi(cid:28)cation.) • Sample lessons plans (Professors shared their lesson plans and asked for feedback from the team.) The program design was based on a team teaching approach. The GVSU instructional team members were selected based on their urban school leadership experience and their highly successful collegiate teaching experience. The team felt it important to honor each member’s instructional methodology and integrate it into a coherent program for the participants. This approach led to a collegial spirit that was recognized by participantsasbeinganimportantpartoftheirlearning. Anexampleofthiscollegialexchangewaswhenone professor challenged another professor on assumptions he had made on a particular problem. The spirited exchangethatfollowedwasgreatmodelingfortheparticipants,astheysawdebateandinformationexchange as growth in learning. It dispelled the notions for them that as a leader you have to know everything and that con(cid:29)ict is detrimental. It reinforced that as a leader it is important to use the knowledge of all sta(cid:27) members. http://cnx.org/content/m43675/1.5/ Connexionsmodule: m43675 6 4.3 Cohort Structure There was one cohort of aspiring leaders/candidates selected for the program. It contained 32 participants, withprogramdeliveryfromJune2009throughJune2010. Thereweretwocourses(sixcredits)persemester forboththeEducationalLeadershipMaster’sDegreeandEducationalSpecialistDegreeprogramsthatwere o(cid:27)ered in addition to certi(cid:28)cation requirements. GVSU and GRPS o(cid:30)cials prepared a course of study for the cohort participants. This clearly delin- eated the sequence of courses and the time and location for each course. Ultimately, the course of study was designed to lead the participants toward a Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership or Educational Specialist degree. There was an expectation that all cohort participants would complete (a) a degree-seeking program, (b) therequiredcoursesneededtoobtainBasicAdministratorCerti(cid:28)cation,or(c)aCentralO(cid:30)ceEndorsement in the State of Michigan. Each aspiring leader/candidate had a customized planned program prepared for him/her, outlining how s/he would be able to complete the course of study they had chosen. Since not all cohort members could participate in all the aspiring leader classes, the path to the degree had to be done individually. The courses taught during the program met NCATE-ELCC-ISLLC standards and incorporated GRPS’ initiatives. Speci(cid:28)c course details and activities were designed by GVSU and the GRPS sta(cid:27) to ensure that the information shared incorporated current research and practices that could be immediately applied in the GRPS district. Co-teaching between GVSU and GRPS sta(cid:27) was encouraged. An example of this integration of district initiatives was the urban issue of the impact of student demographics determining level of achievement. The discussion with the cohort participants was that through e(cid:27)ort and hard work students can achieve at higher levels. Participants were asked to role play how they would present this issue at a faculty meeting. 5 Theoretical Frameworks Three theoretical frameworks formed the basis for the program. They were: • Leadership theory • Change theory and Communities of Practice • Adult learning theory Research in the area of leadership, change and adult learning theory formed a basis for the customized program content. 5.1 Characteristics of E(cid:27)ective Leadership In an e(cid:27)ort to address the unique needs of the GRPS district, the university instructional team incor- porated research-based leadership practices that focused on practical results. This allowed the aspiring leaders/candidates to see the link between what they learned and how it would result in improved student performance. The following seven characteristics of e(cid:27)ective leaders, as described by Marzano, Waters, and McNulty (2005)(Table1),wereincorporatedintovariousactivitiesthroughoutthetrainingandservedasafoundation for leadership development. Table 1. Seven Characteristics of E(cid:27)ective Leaders http://cnx.org/content/m43675/1.5/ Connexionsmodule: m43675 7 5.2 Change Theory and Communities of Practice Senge (1990 ), maintains that one of the most powerful elements of a change process is team learning. His premise is that when people learn together they can be agents of change because through this learning their mental models of how things should be, are changed. The professors used this change model as an introduction to the need to develop communities of practice within each school. AbasicargumentmadebyJeanLaveandEtienneWengeristhatcommunitiesofpracticeareeverywhere, and that we are generally involved in a number of them (cid:21) whether they are at work, school, home, or in our civic and leisure interests. Etienne Wenger (2006) wrote: (cid:16)Communities of practice are formed by people who engage in a process of collective learning in a shared domain of human endeavor: a tribe learning to survive, a band of artists seeking new forms of expres- sion, a group of engineers working on similar problems, a clique of pupils de(cid:28)ning their identity in the school, a network of surgeons exploring novel techniques, a gathering of (cid:28)rst-time managers helping each other cope. In a nutshell: Communities of practice are groups of people who share a concern or a passion for something they do and learn how to do it better as they interact regularly.(cid:17) School faculties are indeed communities of practice! Understanding this dynamic is especially important for an urban school leader. The many challenges faced by teachers in this setting make success a group e(cid:27)ort. The participants worked in groups on how to build collegiality among sta(cid:27). The vision speech requirement was an important exercise for participants in building their knowledge of how to develop relational trust among a school sta(cid:27). 5.3 Adult Learning Theory It was important for the participants to understand the dynamics of adult learning theory. Adults approach learning with di(cid:27)erent experiences, both in quantity and quality than young students. These experiences prove to be the most in(cid:29)uential resources in adult learning (Lindeman, in Knowles, Holton III, Swanson, 2005). Therefore, to maximize the learning of adults, experiential techniques such as conversations, case methods, and actual problem solving activities tend to be the most e(cid:27)ective strategies (Brayman, Grey, Stearns, 2010). This principle guided not only the program professors in their lesson design, but was also presented to participants as important information for a successful leader to possess. 5.4 Additional Research The breadth and depth of research employed in the preparation of this program also made use of the work of such outstanding researchers as Tony Wagner, James Kouzes, Barry Posner, Robert Marzano, and others http://cnx.org/content/m43675/1.5/ Connexionsmodule: m43675 8 (see reference list). These researchers’ work was utilized to assist participants in designing solutions for authentic problems they were given in class. TonyWagner-HarvardChangeLeadershipGroup,providedachangemodelgroundedinauthenticwork. Aspiringleaders/candidatesutilizedtheplanningtemplatesfoundinthebook(cid:16)ChangeLeadership(cid:17) tobuild a mental model of a preferred future for their schools. JamesKouzesandBarryPosner-Theirleadershiptheory,asexpressedin(cid:16)TheLeadershipChallenge(cid:17) and in(cid:16)EncouragingtheHeart(cid:17)describesleadershipastheprocessofmakingadi(cid:27)erencebybuildingrelationships. Their theory includes (cid:28)ve leadership practices: (a) modeling the way, (b) inspiring a shared vision, (c) challenging the process, (d) enabling others to act, and (e) encouraging the heart. RobertMarzano-Throughhisresearchonleadershippracticesthatmakeapositivedi(cid:27)erenceinschools, Marzano provided a targeted set of practices that allowed the aspiring leaders/candidates to build on their repertoire of leadership skills. 6 Qualitative Study Methodology and Program Evaluation Design Qualitative data were collected through oral interviews of participants. Triangulation of the data was made possible through review of program documents including end of class evaluation sheets, standards/class activity matrices, end of program evaluations by participants, and re(cid:29)ections of professors. The professors also utilized ongoing evaluation as a mechanism for obtaining feedback. This, in turn, guided lesson design and presentations. This information allowed the professors to further customize lesson delivery to maximize the candidates’ learning. The Aspiring Leaders program had four key evaluation components: • Candidates’end-of-classevaluations(Candidateswereaskedtore(cid:29)ectonwhattheyhadlearnedatthe end of each class session.) • Candidates’ evaluations at the end of each course • Independent evaluation report • Re(cid:29)ections of program professors Tocollectinformationonthe(cid:16)story(cid:17) oftheprograminthenatureofaqualitativestudytheprofessorswanted an unbiased evaluation of the total program. Therefore, they hired an independent researcher to conduct individualoralinterviewswitheachparticipantintheprogramtodetermineiftheirobjectiveshadbeenmet. All participants were asked to sign an Informed Consent Document in compliance with the requirements of the Human Subjects Institutional Review Board of Grand Valley State University. The researcher went over the Informed Consent Document with each participant to ensure understanding prior to beginning the interviews. Once the document was signed, the interview began. The researcher used a tape recorder and hand-written notes to document the responses. 6.1 Participant Characteristics Fourteen of the participants were in the Master’s Degree program, and ten were seeking the Educational Specialist Degree. The participants represented a broad range of roles within the district. These roles included: 4 principals (3 at elementary schools, 1 at a middle school), 5 assistant principals (middle school), 1AssistantPrincipal/DeanofStudents(HighSchool),1DeanofStudents(HighSchool),1Math/disciplinary LiteracyCoach, 1LanguageCoach, 1MathCurriculumCoordinator, 1SecondarySchoolReformSpecialist, 1PublicSafetyO(cid:30)cer,1YouthAdvocate,1PhysicalTherapist,and3classroomteachers(upperelementary 4th-8th grade). Sixteen of the twenty-four participants were female, and 8 were male. 6.2 Number of Years in Education Theparticipantsexperienceineducationrangedfromalowof3yearstoahighof27years. Theaveragewas 12 years in education. Nearly all have spent the majority of their professional educational careers at GRPS. http://cnx.org/content/m43675/1.5/ Connexionsmodule: m43675 9 Therewereafewwhohadpriorcareersoutsideofeducation(cid:21)theseindividualshadworkedfortheNational Park Service, Juvenile Court Probation, higher education, and private industry. The average number of years with GRPS was 10.5, with a low of 3 years and a high of 26 years. 7 Results 7.1 Candidates’ Re(cid:29)ections, Recommendations, and Lessons Learned In the spirit of a qualitative study which is to ask, (cid:16)what really happened here?(cid:17) Actual comments from participants will be used throughout the results section. Customization of Instruction and Planned Program GRPSparticipantscitedthedevelopmentofacohortaskeytothecustomizationofinstruction. Courses werecustomizedforthisspeci(cid:28)ccohort. Workingandlearningwithotherswhowerepartofthesamesystem and culture allowed them to build on a common experiential base that would not have existed in a more heterogeneous classroom setting. The content focused on the urban setting rather than the continuum of experiences that might occur across settings. Candidates indicated that this helped them focus on issues that were relevant to themselves (cid:21) such as exceptional classroom management issues (cid:21) and their population, such as poverty and transient living conditions. The content was enriched by the experiences the professors shared regarding each of these topics. Having professors who had previously walked the same path as the candidates was seen as a major factor in taking the learning from theory to practice. (cid:16)They did a great job to make sure we were hitting standards.(cid:17) (cid:16)It gave us an opportunity to re(cid:29)ect on strengths and weaknesses as leaders.(cid:17) (cid:16)Theclasstimewascustomized-(cid:29)exible,Contentwaspractical,makingsureweknewstandards,customized to freedom to learn. It was customized to what GRPS is doing. They were (cid:29)exible around our needs. Everything we learned was aligned to standards, and that was helpful, it was embedded in what we did.(cid:17) (cid:16)Whatmadeitsogreatwasthepeople-Professorsmoldedusintoateam. Ifeeltheywillbetheretosupport me even now. Everything was well-thought out, meaningful, pertinent, powerful-ready to use.(cid:17) Practical Application to Authentic Work In relation to applying what they learned to their work, participants noted that the content gave them a chance to really think about what it means to lead a faculty in implementing a program such as (cid:16)an e(cid:27)ort-based education(cid:17) and relate it to their own beliefs and biases. Exploration of such a process gave the participants the tools that will help them remove barriers for children and ensure they are able to advance in their learning. (cid:16)Courses included both theory and hands on ideas of what could happen now, today, in your position. It was current and relevant. They have real life experiences, and could relate to situations we face day to day. I felt they understood me personally - where I have been and where I want to go.(cid:17) Facilitation of Ongoing Dialogue, Sharing, and Collaboration Participants reported that they had grown as leaders, and had become more con(cid:28)dent in their own ideas and opinions. Reported areas of improved skill included increased con(cid:28)dence in public speaking, conducting research, running meetings, and creating a shared vision with their colleagues and sta(cid:27). Several noted they felt more con(cid:28)dent in situations with con(cid:29)ict and understood better how to be okay with disagreement. They all felt they had more tools in their leadership tool box as a result of going through the program. The employmentoftheSocraticMethodgaveparticipantstheopportunitytochallengeoneanother’sassumptions about leadership. The importance the program made on using theoretical constructs along with real-life examples gave each participant a measure of independent thought as they approached a problem solving situation. http://cnx.org/content/m43675/1.5/ Connexionsmodule: m43675 10 (cid:16)Di(cid:30)cult conversations with sta(cid:27) using skills I learned have helped to make me more con(cid:28)dent. This is something I never thought I could do, and while it’s not fun, what I learned has made me more con(cid:28)dent helped me to keep a focus on what is best for children.(cid:17) (cid:16)I am able to exercise judgment/perspective and not personalize things. I feel I have broadened my views. I gained more exposure to di(cid:27)erent ways of doing things to impact student’s achievement.(cid:17) Professors’ Ongoing Availability The professors had (cid:16)on the job(cid:17) knowledge of many of the issues and situations the participants were experiencing, and sound advice for each one related to their given role and situation. Several indicated they particularly valued the knowledge base related to performance evaluation. In addition to being perceived as credible, candidates indicated that all three of the professors were very approachable, both in and out of class. Theyexpecttherelationshipsthatwereformedwiththeprofessorswillcontinue,addingtothesupport network created within the cohort. The professors’ passion for education inspired the cohort members to achieve excellence in what they were doing. (cid:16)The instructors were awesome, made you feel like family. Well explained-course work was interesting- activities were engaging and ones you were going to use. I have since encountered similar situations to what we discussed.(cid:17) (cid:16)Members of the cohort were comfortable to say whatever they wanted, it was a safe space to speak and learn.(cid:17) The Power of Cohort Learning The cohort was unanimously viewed as a powerful mechanism for building a support network by all of the participants. Several members also indicated that the diversity of the group (cid:21) di(cid:27)erent positions within the district and di(cid:27)erent cultural backgrounds (cid:21) helped them to gain a better understanding of the content, essentially accelerating their own learning as they viewed it from the eyes of others in the cohort. Everyone said they knew their con(cid:28)dences would be kept, and they now had people they could turn to for advice without fear of negative consequences. (cid:16)The cohort format provided built in support from others in group.(cid:17) (cid:16)Educators need to believe in themselves(cid:22)they need time to be re(cid:29)ective, this program o(cid:27)ered time for us to do that.(cid:17) (cid:16)This is my third master’s program, and my (cid:28)rst cohort experience. It felt like being with family.(cid:17) 8 Conclusions and Recommendations 8.1 Re(cid:29)ections of Program Professors Thethreeprofessorsofrecorddiscussedindepththeirobservationsandfeelingsastheprogramunfoldedday by day. It became abundantly clear that a very special educational opportunity was being made available to the candidates, but it was also having a profound e(cid:27)ect on the professors themselves. Those re(cid:29)ections are noted in the following (cid:28)ve areas: 1. Candidates’ Ongoing Advising and Support The professors’ willingness to make themselves available to students on an (cid:16)on-call(cid:17) basis built a sound foundation of trust that was maintained throughout the program. Each candidate received individualized advising and career guidance for the duration of the program. Because all courses were designed and taught bythesameteamofprofessors, the(cid:16)match(cid:17) betweencourseselectionandtheirdailyactivities(bothinclass and at their job site) was very e(cid:27)ective. 2. Uniqueness of Team Teaching at the Collegiate Level The professoriate is, in many ways, a lonely position. As a team the three professors involved in this program utilized each other’s strengths in their instructional delivery. It was similar to an ongoing peer- review process in action. Each professor was chosen for his/her success in his/her classes based on student http://cnx.org/content/m43675/1.5/