Differentiated Discussion... and Lunch

I'm not going to lie. It began out of total selfishness on my part three years ago. I had two new assistant principals who were spending quality time collaborating, meeting, and training my teachers - exactly what they should be doing. They were building strong relationships with the staff. I should have been tickled pink, but I was green with envy. After all, these were MY teachers, and I was feeling a little left out. On top of that, I was working on my doctorate. I should have been relieved that the APs were stepping up... but I felt like I was missing the party. Moreover, the more I studied, read, and researched... the more I wanted to talk, train, and interact with my staff.

I'm not really known for being a "soft touch." But, I missed them. That feeling that working moms get when they realize their children actually enjoy the baby sitter? Now I was having it at work, too! So, I masterminded a plan that would include relevant research based articles, hearty discussions, and food (let's face it, teachers are going to join in most training for a great lunch!). I would meet with each grade level for one hour each quarter. We would have parent volunteers cover lunch and inside recess, with staff assistance. I chose articles based on each grade level's needs or interest, and crossed my fingers.

The nerves were high on my part during the first meeting. What if they didn't read the article? What if they didn't enjoy the lunch? What if they grabbed their sandwich and ran? What if they didn't want to collaborate with me? To top it off, I had somehow scheduled my first Lunch Bunch to be my most challenging team.

But they came - with articles highlighted, notes in margin, and strong opinions. It was awesome! Each lunch was insightful: the teachers learned a little bit more about chosen topics and each other. I learned a little bit more about the dynamics on each team and how I could help them. They still needed me!

Three years later, the quarterly Lunch Bunch meetings continue to be the only activity we do that gets 100% positive feedback. I love searching for the perfect article, video, or book passage to send their way a few days before our lunch. I enjoy writing a personal note to each grade level detailing why I chose that selection. Most of all, I love that I get to steal a little quality time with my staff, in small groups, but with big impact. We need each other, and our students need us to keep learning/growing!