Teacher Engagement

I'll be looking forward to seeing what others have to say about this topic. It's a real one and our teachers are weary and reluctant to try "one more thing". (Even when we know it can make a difference in their professional lives.)

Good question. Teacher engagement is as important as student engagement. What can provide that spark to involve them?

During the height of the pandemic we used individual “office hours”, so teachers did not have to travel or use after school hours to attend a workshop that was a one and done event. They could meet us online on their time to get tech ideas and help. Working with them on something that was specific to their curriculum was also helpful. And having colleagues collaborate together on a tech infused lesson has also been rewarding.

Recognizing educators learning efforts, I find is also important - showcasing what they have accomplished to the faculty often is an inroad for their colleagues to try what they have accomplished.

We had two types of reluctant teachers. One that was afraid of the technology, and the other were those that resisted the change.

For those that were afraid, we found that having them co-teach with another teacher after some planning on achieving a class goal. It gave a way for that teacher to use the more experienced tech teacher as a guide. After a couple of sessions, they are usually trying a little more on their own. Granted, it might be in the shallow end of the pool, but they are making the effort to change.

The other type of teacher that didn't want to change, we sent them to a technology conference, and that changed their outlook. They saw a benefit, and wanted to learn more. And then we started to work with them, like the teacher that was afraid of technology.

I wish there was a single perfect answer, but this is what worked for us.

Another thing that really helped us change those teachers were some trainings given by Apple Professional Learning Specialist. Our trainer was amazing and really did an amazing job of getting those reluctant teachers to move forward.

Good luck, because I know it is a challenge, and it doesn't always work. But as I said, this is what worked for us.

Does your school use apple classroom? Our teachers love the ability to push and see what students are using their devices for. I also have done some work with teachers on just showing them how it can be useful for their own planning and a resource for them in general. Whatever you do start small, or even volunteer to teach a lesson for them, or with them in the class. One of staff said that she missed being in the classroom and got tons of requests to do small lesson throughout her schools.