Ottawa 2 Day Secondary Climate Change

Just a few thoughts to add to the good analysis of the institute parts offered by Stan ...

It seems to me that it is critical for facilitators to establish a good relationship from the outset with secondary teachers. You don't get much time it seems before they make a decision about you and whether or not they will dial into what is going on in the room. This is different from most elementary teachers who give you the benefit of the doubt for much longer. They pretty much make a snap decision, indeed some of them have made it before they get there.
 As we all know they are indeed in a different system, more reminiscent of the high school we experienced years ago. They are super aware of (and live with) the restrictions of a more rigid system, one of tight timetables, single subjects and department protocols etc. They tend to see those as non negotiables. They are not only prepared to live with them and conduct business as usual, but are very leery of tampering with them. We did see a few who could imagine challenging and changing the status quo and a couple who did not know about the possibility of 4 credit courses or other options who were very interested. However most were still planning to work with what was. But within these parameters many could see themselves taking some small steps to include some of the 7 Strategies, or even going outside, or working with PBL. For the most part inquiry seemed too far removed from their world.
Personally, I think we can work for change with them but it will be slow. I agree 1 days are not enough time to woo the kinds of changes in practice we are looking for. In addition, as facilitators we must be sympathetic to their situation, offering a listening ear and through relationships with them SLOWLY offer ways to initiate change. Indeed we did this with elementary people for the last number of years and are now reaping the reward. Secondary teachers are more rigid and fearful and tough and often exhibit the attitudes (and even the demeanor) shown by their students. I found that kindness and respect is the way to go, not responding in kind to what they often show us. They are a pretty rough crowd, but underneath there are cracks and the light is filtering in.
Signed: Lay Psychologist Pamela