I Get By With A Little Help From My Friends

One of the positive outcomes of pursuing the IB MYP program has been the increased collegiality that has transpired amongst colleagues. I have noticed an increase in the amount of professional dialogue that has occurred since we have embarked upon this journey. Sure, teachers have always talked amongst themselves about their craft, and the day-to-day challenges that come with the job. Yet, in part because IB insists upon it, the level of discourse that occurs when collaborative planning is deliberate, is truly impressive. Teachers get together in groups of varying sizes to plan units using a common approach, shared resources, and an assessment standard that is known to all. In short, it is an approach that demands best practices and collaborative planning that is genuine, not forced. Because of the interdisciplinary nature of the program, teachers of different subject areas can get together to plan units that cover the same topic from a variety of subject perspectives.

An unexpected outcome of this process for me has been that I am now interacting with more colleagues from different departments, subject areas, and parts of the school. Recently, I sat down with an Arts teacher and we were looking at the assessment requirements for her subject area. It was an interesting process, and I learned quite a bit more about a subject area that I do not teach in. I was also able to get to know a colleague in a manner that was both professional and friendly. We each learned a few things about one another, and most importantly, learned from one another.

Anyone who has worked with IB recognizes that the program takes a while to unpack. There are many dimensions to it, and understanding it requires a team approach. Prior to entering a long weekend break, the lead teachers (those with IB certified subject training), and the Heads of Department (divided by subjects) took part in a mini workshop that examined curriculum planning using a system known as Managebac (http://managebac.com/).

Now, several of our teachers have a background using Managebac at the DP (Diploma Program- grades 11,12) level, and others have MYP unit planning experience, but none of us had MYP unit planning experience using Managebac. Fortunately, the IB network that I belong to (Southern Ontario) has a number of terrific professionals who are willing to share their time and experience. A colleague, experienced in the IB program with a background using Managebac, travelled from Toronto to share his expertise on curriculum planning. It was a productive session and helpful to a staff that is still very much learning about how the MYP program differs from past practice.

Each of these instances demonstrate that there is great value in professional sharing, collaborative planning, and working with colleagues whose paths wouldn't ordinarily cross.