Should We Give Teachers Matches? With Alex Auriemma

Should We Give Teachers Matches? With Alex Auriemma

Description:

Back in September I released episode 218 titled “Teacher Evaluation is Broken.” Before I recorded that episode I had been thinking about the topic, and today’s guest and I actually recorded the conversation you are about to listen to prior to me recording number 218. I’m not sure why I decided to hold onto this episode so long, but it is time for it to see daylight. This episode is a discussion, not an interview. I hope you will feel like you are a part of this discussion. Hearing to leaders tear into the teacher evaluation and teacher growth processes should be healthy for you. By the end of the discussion, my hope is you have increased clarity on how you support and grow your teachers.

Guest Bio:

Alexandra Auriemma is a New York based educator and leader with over 10 years of experience working in the NYC public school system.  Formerly an English Language Arts teacher, Department Chair, and Instructional Coach, she now works as a Co-Principal at 6-12 school in Queens.  In addition to her service to New York City, she also has written and implemented curriculum for a private tutoring company in Shanghai, China.  She is passionate about curriculum and instruction, empowering educators within their classroom domain, and investing capital in human relationships. 

Warmup questions:

·      We always like to start with a celebration. What are you celebrating today?

·      Is there a story that will help listeners understand why you are doing what you do?

Questions/Topics/Prompts

·      In our pre-conversation, we each came at the issue of teacher growth from opposite sides. You took the role of the AP who just wants to help her teachers get better. I took the role of the teacher who is resistant.

·      Let’s each share our own starting point, the assumptions we made about why we were there, and about the other person.

·      Before we begin working towards the middle, let’s define where it is and why it is important. What does the middle look and sound like?

·      What are the barriers for each of us in getting to the middle space?

·      What do I, as the teacher, need to know and be able to do to get to the middle?

·      What do you as the leader need to know and be able to do?

·      What processes and frameworks can help us continue this journey?

Closing questions:

·      What part of your own leadership are you still trying to get better at?

·      If listeners could take just one thing away from today’s podcast, what would it be?

·      Before we go, is there anything else that you’d like to share with our listeners?

·      Where can people learn more about you and your work…

Sponsorship:

I want to thank IXL for sponsoring this podcast…

Everyone talks about the power of data-driven instruction. But what does that actually look like? Look no further than IXL, the ultimate online learning and teaching platform for K to 12. 

IXL gives you meaningful insights that drive real progress, and research can prove it. Studies across 45 states show that schools who use IXL outperform other schools on state tests. Educators who use IXL love that they can easily see how their school is performing in real-time to make better instructional decisions. 

And IXL doesn’t stop at just data. IXL also brings an entire ecosystem of resources for your teachers, with a complete curriculum, personalized learning plans, and so much more.