Buying In to the 21st Century Teaching Model

     Plans are in the works to expand the 21st century teaching and learning model similar to what we have in 2nd grade to another grade level wing in our building.  The administration is dedicated to removing walls and opening up the space for collaboration and and communication for teachers and students.  This is exciting news!  

      There is much more to creating 21st century learning than changing the physical environment, though.  I believe that there needs to be a buy in to the transformation of teaching that this entails as a result.  All team members need to be open and communicative on a much higher level than ever and, perhaps, what they are comfortable with.  Without a buy in from all members, the degree of success will be limited.  This reminds me of the three-legged stool.  If one leg is messing, the stool won't stand for long.  For some, this may take some time and encouragement from the other team members.  
     Our team is continuously working on the idea of a team of one, where everyone leads planning and discussions and contributes ideas freely.  We simply cannot sustain the workload and stress if we do everything ourselves.  However, this is no easy task.  There are some natural leaders who are accustomed to that role and feel comfortable in it.  There are others who more quiet and thoughtful and feel like they can't get a word in.  One idea to encourage the quieter members to lead was that the leaders waited for the quieter members to take the initiative.  This was not successful.  Another idea floating out there now is to assign a new "facilitator" each week to lead the planning meetings.  We'll see how this goes.
    One might wonder why the leaders simply don't talk to the quieter members.  This can be awkward and quite uncomfortable.  We work and exist side-by-side the entire day.  Those talks could lead to misinterpretation if not done tactfully.  That could make for a LONG year!