You just found out that there are some new things coming at you that you need to pass along to your staff. None of it is your idea, but you have to support it. You know that few on your staff are going to like the idea or change being thrust upon them. Don't get me wrong, there are a handful that have been chomping at the bit, excited about whatever new thing might be sent to them. They salivate for it. They seek out innovative things to do in the classroom. Chances are whatever it is that you are going to have them do they already want to do anyway. They are not your worry.
You have others that will do whatever you ask. They won't usually seek out new ideas or techniques, but if you ask them they won't hesitate. They have a close cousin that goes along with them, but they will grumble the whole time. Even if they like it in they end, they won't let you know it right away. Neither of these are the problem.
Your problem is the person that will flat out refuse to change. It's the person that starts out saying "That won't work!" They won't try it because nothing ever works right or they ask for help and no one ever helps them, even though they get more help than most other teachers.
How do you get that teacher on board? My first instinct is to say leave them alone. That thinking doesn't work.
My first priority is to the students. If this teacher isn't doing what is best for the students, then they have little business being in the classroom. Getting them out of there is difficult to say the least. What are your options at this point? You could leave them alone and let their students suffer. I don't think you really want to do that even though it would be easier. You could find one of the great innovators in your building to mentor them with the new technique or tool. Which could work out well for the struggling teacher. You could begin the documentation process for dismissal, but no one really wants to get someone fired.
Somehow this person needs to see how this benefits students and makes their job easier in the long run. If they can see those points they are usually willing to switch with less hesitation. My suggestion is to say nothing to the grumbler at first, instead go to everyone else and give them the new information, tool or technique. Let them get familiar with it and then have the the students be the ones questioning the other teacher about why they aren't using it in their classroom. This may get the teacher to asking the other staff members about it. When that happens they are ready to learn it and use it in their room.
The important thing for them to remember at this point is that they don't have to be an expert when they start using it. Take one step at a time and gradually incorporate it into their lessons. It is more important to start than it is to start perfectly.
You have others that will do whatever you ask. They won't usually seek out new ideas or techniques, but if you ask them they won't hesitate. They have a close cousin that goes along with them, but they will grumble the whole time. Even if they like it in they end, they won't let you know it right away. Neither of these are the problem.
Your problem is the person that will flat out refuse to change. It's the person that starts out saying "That won't work!" They won't try it because nothing ever works right or they ask for help and no one ever helps them, even though they get more help than most other teachers.
How do you get that teacher on board? My first instinct is to say leave them alone. That thinking doesn't work.
My first priority is to the students. If this teacher isn't doing what is best for the students, then they have little business being in the classroom. Getting them out of there is difficult to say the least. What are your options at this point? You could leave them alone and let their students suffer. I don't think you really want to do that even though it would be easier. You could find one of the great innovators in your building to mentor them with the new technique or tool. Which could work out well for the struggling teacher. You could begin the documentation process for dismissal, but no one really wants to get someone fired.
Somehow this person needs to see how this benefits students and makes their job easier in the long run. If they can see those points they are usually willing to switch with less hesitation. My suggestion is to say nothing to the grumbler at first, instead go to everyone else and give them the new information, tool or technique. Let them get familiar with it and then have the the students be the ones questioning the other teacher about why they aren't using it in their classroom. This may get the teacher to asking the other staff members about it. When that happens they are ready to learn it and use it in their room.
The important thing for them to remember at this point is that they don't have to be an expert when they start using it. Take one step at a time and gradually incorporate it into their lessons. It is more important to start than it is to start perfectly.
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