From Teacher to Changemaker: Strategies for Self and Systemic Advocacy

Outline

CONTENT AND ENGAGEMENT

Introduction (5 minutes)
- Warm welcome and brief self-introduction
- Set the stage by highlighting the importance of advocacy in education
- Briefly outline the session's objectives and the three-phase approach (Prepare, Persuade, Pursue)
- Engagement: Interactive poll to gauge attendees' current comfort levels with advocacy conversations

Phase 1: Prepare (15 minutes)
- Define the importance of preparation in advocacy
- Key elements of preparation: Setting clear objectives, Managing time effectively, Crafting actionable requests, Reflecting on broader impact
- Engagement:
1) Pair-share activity: Participants brainstorm potential advocacy scenarios and identify their objectives
2) Brief discussion on common challenges in the preparation phase

Phase 2: Persuade (20 minutes)
- Explore the art of persuasion in advocacy conversations
- Key strategies for persuasion: Using “If…then…” statements, Employing power words, Posing thoughtful questions, Seeking agreement and outlining expectations
- Engagement:
1) Role-play activity: Participants practice using persuasive language and framing techniques in simulated scenarios
2) Group discussion on overcoming potential obstacles in the persuasion phase

Phase 3: Pursue (15 minutes)
- Emphasize the importance of follow-up and accountability
- Key tactics for pursuit: Utilizing email templates
Requesting read receipts, Conducting verbal check-ins, Scheduling follow-up meetings
- Engagement:
1) Device-based activity: Participants create a sample follow-up email using a provided template
2) Q&A session to address any concerns or questions about the pursuit phase

Conclusion (5 minutes)
-Recap the three-phase approach and key takeaways
-Encourage participants to implement these strategies in their professional lives
-Provide additional resources for further learning and development
-Engagement: Final reflection activity: Participants write down one concrete action they will take to improve their advocacy skills

TIME

Introduction: 5 minutes
Phase 1: Prepare: 15 minutes
Phase 2: Persuade: 20 minutes
Phase 3: Pursue: 15 minutes
Conclusion: 5 minutes

PROCESS

-Frequent and Varied Engagement: The session incorporates a mix of interactive activities every 10-15 minutes to maintain audience attention and promote active learning.
-Peer-to-Peer Interaction: Pair-share and group discussions encourage collaboration and the sharing of diverse perspectives.
-Device-Based Activities: Utilizes technology for practical application and skill-building.
-Role-Play and Simulations: Provides opportunities for participants to practice new skills in a safe and supportive environment.
-Q&A Sessions: Allows for addressing individual questions and concerns.
-Reflection Activities: Encourages self-assessment and goal-setting for continued growth.

Outcomes

After this session, participants will be able to:

Articulate their needs, challenges, and successes clearly and confidently in professional settings.

Employ a structured, three-phase approach (Prepare, Persuade, Pursue) to navigate critical conversations with colleagues and administrators.

Utilize powerful language and questioning techniques to persuade others and advocate for change.

Implement strategies for follow-up and accountability to ensure that feedback leads to action and improvement.

Foster a culture of collaboration and support within their school communities by advocating not only for themselves but also for their colleagues and students.

Demonstrate increased confidence and agency in their ability to initiate and navigate challenging conversations that lead to positive outcomes.

Supporting research

Articles:

"The Power of Teacher Voice: Advocating for Students and Our Profession" by Elena Aguilar - This article explores the importance of teacher advocacy and provides practical tips for finding your voice and making a difference.

"How to Advocate for Yourself (and Your Students) at Work" by WeAreTeachers - This article offers concrete strategies for teachers to effectively advocate for themselves and their students in their professional environments.

"The Educator's Guide to Effective Communication" by ASCD - This guide provides a comprehensive overview of communication skills essential for educators, including active listening, assertive communication, and conflict resolution.

Books:

"Crucial Conversations: Tools for Talking When Stakes Are High" by Kerry Patterson, Joseph Grenny, Ron McMillan, and Al Switzler - This widely acclaimed book offers a framework for navigating challenging conversations with clarity and respect, applicable to various professional contexts, including education.

Recognized Experts:

Elena Aguilar: A renowned author, speaker, and coach specializing in teacher leadership and social-emotional learning. Her work emphasizes the importance of self-care and advocacy for educators.

Hamish Brewer: Also known as "The Tattooed Skateboarding Principal," Brewer is a passionate advocate for student-centered learning and teacher empowerment. His dynamic approach to leadership inspires educators to find their voice and make a positive impact.

Other Documentation:

ISTE Standards for Educators: These standards highlight the importance of educators being collaborators, leaders, and advocates for their students and profession.

Transformative Learning Principles: These principles emphasize the need for equity and agency in education, aligning with the core values of this session.