Finding Common Ground in Education
A REALISTIC GUIDE TO FINDING COMMON GROUND IN EDUCATION BETWEEN ADMINISTRATORS AND TEACHERS In today’s world, it is becoming difficult to make any significant change at the national and state levels. We are constantly facing experts whose job it is to hijack agendas and movements of change. Therefore, the only way to make real and actual change is in our school communities. This progressive format shares a down-to-earth approach that both authors feel is being sidestepped in communities all over the country. It is our hope that this podcast will help facilitate tough conversations and bring the focus back to what is most important for both sides to understand in order for public education-The students. This content is a collection of conversations, research, debates, and discussions between two childhood friends who grew up together in Youngstown, Ohio. As graduates of the class of 1989 from Austintown Fitch High School, they parted ways with the goal to meet again soon to teach and coach together in the same school district. Even though life prevented them from working in the same brick and mortar building for the last 25 years, technology made them successful long-distance colleagues. As their career paths pushed them in different directions, they found themselves on opposite sides of the current educational model. One a school district superintendent in California and the other a Union president in Ohio. Not only would their positions put them on opposite sides of the education debates, so would the politics of the states they resided in over the last two decades as California primarily falling on the left side of the political spectrum and Ohio standing firmly on the right side of the aisle.
Listen on:
Episodes
Thursday Nov 14, 2024
Thursday Nov 14, 2024
In this episode, Dave and Dean answer a listener's question about a difficult situation in their district.
Monday Oct 28, 2024
Monday Oct 28, 2024
In this episode, Dave and Dean talk about what can really happen once you walk into the room for collective bargaining, some critical anecdotes about past contracts, and the importance of knowing what pressure the other side is feeling in order to find common ground.
Thursday Oct 10, 2024
Thursday Oct 10, 2024
This episode talks about how both sides prepare for the negotiations process. Dave and Dean cover several topics including; their current systems, how to gather information for the initial proposal, and how to choose your team.
Tuesday Sep 24, 2024
Tuesday Sep 24, 2024
This episode is part two in the series about interviews. Dave and Dean cover the politics of interviews, crafting the proper questions, and talk about choosing the best candidate.
We focus on creating the proper questions to select the best candidate as well as preparing candidates for an interview.
Thursday Sep 12, 2024
Thursday Sep 12, 2024
Description: This episode covers preparation for the interview process including determining need, screening applicants, and selecting the ideal interview panel.
Wednesday Aug 14, 2024
Wednesday Aug 14, 2024
In this episode Dave and Dean reflect on season #1 and talk about what they've learned over the last year. It finishes with a sneak peek for season 2 which includes special guests and a pacing of topics during the traditional school year.
Monday May 27, 2024
Monday May 27, 2024
This podcast provides a comprehensive guide for teacher leaders to build effective teams. It emphasizes that strong teacher-leaders, who are reputable and exemplary, are essential for a robust union. The importance of cultivating a diverse leadership team across gender, grade level, and assignment is highlighted to bring varied perspectives and strengths. The podcast advises against protecting underperforming teachers to maintain high standards. It stresses the need for continuous visibility and engagement of leaders throughout the year, not just during negotiation periods. Planning for future leadership by identifying and preparing successors is deemed crucial for continuity. Additionally, the podcast underscores the importance of supporting and mentoring new and young teachers to ensure their integration and growth within the school community.
Monday Apr 29, 2024
Monday Apr 29, 2024
Developing a top notch administrative team within a school district hinges on several key principles. Dr. Farkas the challenge of inheriting a team and then discusses the concept of leading from the middle, emphasizing collaboration and support while actively engaging in the day-to-day operations.
He believes that in order to foster a culture of mutual respect, leaders must roll up their sleeves and demonstrate a commitment to student success and build trust among staff members. Moreover, seizing control in challenging situations showcases leadership capabilities and instills respect within the team, ultimately contributing to a cohesive and effective administrative unit.
Tuesday Mar 19, 2024
Tuesday Mar 19, 2024
In this chapter, Dave and Dean underscore the critical aspects of effective communication and leadership within educational settings. Dave highlights the frustration that ensues when teachers fail to promptly address parent inquiries, stressing the importance of timely responses to prevent issues from escalating. He suggests a flexible timeframe for response, emphasizing the need to consider factors like communication platform and urgency. Additionally, Dave advocates for direct conversations over email for complex matters to avoid misinterpretation, promoting efficient communication and trust-building. Dean emphasizes the significance of using quick surveys to gauge the climate of a school or district, asserting that administrators who neglect this practice risk undermining trust and collaboration among staff. He emphasizes the role of surveys in fostering transparency and success, portraying them as essential tools for effective leadership and building a collaborative environment. Together, Dave and Dean highlight the interconnectedness of communication, trust, and leadership in nurturing a supportive educational community.
Thursday Feb 22, 2024
Thursday Feb 22, 2024
This podcast delves into key insights and advice for new teachers, drawn from experiences and reflections from both Dave and Dean. It begins with the importance of understanding and respecting the community one serves, emphasizing the interconnectedness of all members within the educational environment. Mutual respect is highlighted as essential for a meaningful teaching experience, emphasizing the partnership between teachers and support staff in fostering student success. Additionally, we discuss the distinction between being respected on an individual level and having a good reputation within the broader community.
Strategies for gaining respect from students are discussed, emphasizing the importance of demonstrating care beyond academics and investing time in extracurricular activities. The chapter encourages authenticity and advises against trying to emulate others, emphasizing the value of one's unique approach. Furthermore, it offers guidance on earning the respect of colleagues, particularly veterans, stressing the significance of discretion and integration within the staff community.
In part two, insights from administrators, Dave shares his experiences and underscores the importance of leading by example, with a balance of confidence and humility. Effective communication, celebration of achievements, and building trust through consistent actions are highlighted as key leadership principles. The chapter concludes with the reminder that visibility and demonstration of values are essential aspects of effective leadership. Overall, the chapter serves as a valuable resource for new educators, providing practical advice and insights for navigating the complexities of the educational landscape.