THE COURAGE TO AGREE (PART 2)
February 18, 2021
Prayer: Lord, help us create professional agreement and unity in your schools. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Scripture: If two of you on earth agree about anything you ask for, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven. Matthew 18:17
Taylor Ray Elementary School in Rosenberg, Texas primarily serves a highly mobile Hispanic student population with over 75% of the students coming from low income homes. This school is a nationally recognized Blue Ribbon School and has received numerous other accolades and awards. Staff members meeting in agreement in prayer for over fifteen years has been a key factor in this school’s success. (See devotion – Courage to Agree – Part I)
In addition to agreement in prayer for fifteen years, another key factor contributing to this school’s success has been academic agreement. A principal came to the school with a heart to build unity and agreement regarding the curriculum and behavior management across grade levels. Specific strategies and vocabulary in each subject area and common academic and behavioral strategies were created by multi-grade vertical teams. These were implemented at all grade levels. Grade level teams began to meet on a regular basis to share academic materials, successes, and concerns in order to improve performance. Teachers could no longer stay isolated doing their own thing in their own small kingdoms. Relationships and communication were increased. Staff successes were shared and team problem solving were used to address weaknesses. A core team of master teachers at the school was formed that met and communicated regularly with the administration in mutually honest ways. All these things brought professional continuity and a unity the school had never experienced which led to higher student performance.
Agreement in both prayer and in professional strategies and performance simply works. It is a timeless biblical principal. Psalm 133 states that God pours out His blessings where there is unity. May the Lord use you in both small and mighty ways to bring unity and agreement to the staff where you serve. May He pour out blessing after blessing upon the staff, students, and parents at the school where you serve Him with gladness and singleness of heart.
Reflection: Is there unity and professional agreement at the school where I work? Am I contributing to this unity at the campus where I serve or am I taking away from it? How can I help God build professional unity at the campus where I work?
Getting Real: Be a team player. Help build unity and agreement among staff members regarding curriculum and strategies when needed.
Copyright Don Clark. Email [email protected]