Envision Speakers Series

Unlocking the Power of Teacher Professional Development

Episode Summary

Welcome back, everyone! This is Dr. Keith McNally, and I'm thrilled to bring you the latest insights in Episode Five of The Envision Speaker Series. Today, we delve into a critical topic - teacher mental health and professional development's profound impact on longevity, sustainability, and time management.

Episode Notes

Envision Speakers Series Episode 5:

Unlocking the Power of Teacher Professional Development

Incredible guests are joining me in this insightful conversation: Jean Ramsey, Ola ElKhatib, and Jane Bell. Each of them brings a unique perspective on the value of professional development, sharing their journey and expertise to empower educators.

Meet our Guests:

Jean Ramsey: A retired teacher with 20 years of adopting the Coaching Way of Being, Jean shares her experience overcoming burnout and the transformative power of a positive, coaching-focused approach.
Ola ElKhatib: A teacher, trainer, and coach, Ola advocates for making schools a place of personal fulfillment and professional excellence. She emphasizes the importance of aligning personal values with teaching goals.
Jane Bell: With 12 years of teaching experience and a passion for workload reduction, Jane is a strong advocate for teachers taking control of their professional development. Her insights are rooted in practical strategies to enhance both personal and professional life.

Defining Professional Development: Our guests unanimously agree - that professional development is a personalized journey. It's about recognizing your strengths, addressing shortcomings, and actively seeking growth opportunities. It goes beyond accredited courses, emphasizing the need for personalized support and alignment with your values.

Owning Your Professional Development: To own your professional development, Jean emphasizes the importance of recognizing where you could be more effective and addressing those areas. Ola encourages a mix of accredited courses and personalized support, while Jane highlights the need for teachers to choose development opportunities that align with their personal goals.

Trauma-Informed Professional Development with Jean Ramsey: Jean introduces the concept of trauma-informed professional development. Drawing from her course, "Find Your Kind," she shares insights on creating emotionally safe spaces, recognizing the impact of toxic stress, and the power of de-escalation techniques in the classroom.

Jean's approach revolves around building rapport, understanding the needs behind behavior, and celebrating every positive change. She stresses the role of teachers in providing a consistent, predictable, and nurturing environment for students who may lack these at home.

Key Takeaways:

Behavior is Communication: Understanding that all behavior is communication is the first step in creating trauma-informed safe environments. Remember, curiosity over fury leads to better understanding.
Learn Happily: Foster an environment where both teachers and students learn more when happy, relaxed, and having fun. Embrace curiosity instead of frustration.
Personal Care Plan: The importance of a personal care plan was highlighted, emphasizing the need for teachers to set firm boundaries and prioritize self-care. Create a plan that aligns with your values.
Time Management with Jane Bell: Jane emphasized that time management is an ongoing skill set, and teachers must take control of their workload. Learn to say no, set boundaries, and focus on developing a time-smart teaching mindset.
Performance Management: Ola discussed the two-way nature of performance management. Teachers should actively participate in setting objectives, ensuring personal goals and interests are aligned.
Energy Management with Ola: Ola emphasized the significance of managing energy alongside time. Teachers should systemize self-care, such as workouts or moments of rest, to avoid burnout. Positive affirmations and intentional language contribute to a healthier mindset.

Your Action Items:

Download "Time Smart Teaching": Jane recommends downloading a copy of "Time Smart Teaching" to enhance your time management skills. Check out the ChatGPT for Teachers' special LinkedIn audio events.
Connect with Ola: Follow Ola on OlaVated for insights on well-being mixed with professional excellence. Discover positive affirmations that resonate with you.
Explore Jean's Courses: Visit www.coachingforschools.com to explore Jean Ramsey's courses, including "Find Your Kind" and "From Overwhelmed to Oasis of Calm."
Join The Envision Speaker Series: Stay tuned for upcoming episodes featuring these incredible educators. Mark your calendar for future LinkedIn audio events.

Remember, your professional development is a continuous journey. Take intentional steps, explore new strategies, and connect with the wealth of knowledge our guests have shared.

Thank you for being part of The Envision Speaker Series community. Together, let's empower educators and positively impact the teaching profession.