What I have not yet examined is how the process changed me personally. This is an aspect of the process that I was asked to consider as the formal part of the CAIS Next Step program draws to a conclusion. The actual work of implementing the program is ongoing, but I was asked to consider three ways in which I was personally impacted through the change process.
For me the following three things have been noticeable.
time
trust
self
Of course there are time constraints upon the completion of any project, and generally I was able to meet the guidelines (and sometimes deadlines) that were required to complete the work. The most compelling lesson about time was that it is a critical component of any project or work-related activity. The simple take-away is that time is a valuable commodity, and one that must be respected throughout the process. There were moments when it was clear that more time was needed in order to complete certain tasks. I needed to back away from my own timeline and respect that others needed more time to absorb the change. This was especially true during the MYP unit planning meetings that were established. Colleagues needed more time in order to fully complete the tasks.
There were other moments when urgency was required. A degree of pressure needed to be applied in these instances so that we could move along in the authorization process. This was especially true of the need to get online and use the MYP unit planners on Managebac in order to at least become familiar with IB terminology and the correct manner in which to develop units. The final product could be developed over time, but a start needed to be made. Whether it was allowing colleagues more time, or pressing matters forward, the commodity of time was most valuable in this project. Like an elastic band, sometimes it needed to be stretched out, and sometimes it needed to be snapped back into shape.
A second realization that became apparent is that the project is bigger than me. As Coordinator, I had an integral role in the development of the MYP program, but I was by no means the only one involved. School administration, staff, teachers and students, parents and the wider school community each had a stake in the unfolding of this major school change. Thus, it was critical to develop trust.
Trust in others was required throughout the year in various ways. At points in the year it was important for me to let go of the ideas that I had, and to accept that another plan might be a better course of action. This was especially true in the area of collaborative planning. While IB does not compromise on the need for collaborative planning time for all MYP teachers, various scheduling models needed to be considered in order to achieve this end. I needed to trust in the process, and trust that those tasked with the responsibility of making the changes would make good on their commitment. I am happy to report that this came to fruition and I am grateful for the support that was provided. It was an exercise in trust and collegiality. Many colleagues stepped forward just as they had promised.
The final personal takeaway should, perhaps, have been the first. It was clear to me early on in the process that in order for me to be successful with this project, I needed to be in good shape. Yes, that meant taking the time for exercise, better nutrition, and finding balance between my various commitments. To do that I needed to place self first. I know that it seems counterintuitive in our driven workplaces to place self before work, but that was nonetheless true. Before I could commit to a full day of work, attend to various tasks, and complete this project, I needed to be healthy and ready to face the day. Regular exercise, healthier diet, and dedicated down time helped put me in a proper frame of mind. This provided me with the strength, stamina, and focus that was required in order to see this project through to its conclusion.
In effect, the lessons of time, trust, and self will be the most important elements that will guide my future work on this project and all others to come.
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