School Culture

The reading for this weekend was on School Culture in our Teacher Leadership book. I completed the Happy Hour and sent it on its way to my mentor. Her feedback included a question that really got me thinking: Does my school's culture encourage collegiality? At first thought, Yes! We have no walls, which requires us to work more closely and respectively with each other. I have always felt that our school works collaboratively naturally. But on closer reflection I saw some discrepancies, with my own grade level in particular. It has always been one filled with tension and I realized we are the only grade level that does not plan together. I plan with one colleague, while the others plan individually. I coteach with the colleague I plan with occasionally, but the others do not. Why is this only happening in our grade level? Is is a personality conflict? I guess the next step is to devise a plan where I can help change this... be the teacher leader we are reading about. It is a small change, but one that could irrevocably influence student learning outcomes in a positive way...if done right! It's a scary thought and will take both courage and support, because I know how a few of the teachers on my grade level will respond to my encouragement for change.