As early childhood educators, we understand the importance of continuous professional development and the role it plays in enhancing our knowledge and skills to better serve our students. Recognizing this need, the Early Childhood Educators of Reform Judaism (ECE-RJ) recently organized a three-part professional development Meet Up Series for Early Childhood Directors and Assistant Directors. The series aimed to address the challenges faced by supervisors in mentoring their staff and provide insights into becoming productive and supportive supervisors.
The first session, titled "Professional Development Dilemma: What? So what? Now what?" was held on May 23, featuring guest speaker Jenna Turner. The session focused on the crucial task of determining the professional development needs of educators and finding the most effective format to deliver the necessary training. Attendees engaged in a lively discussion about maximizing the professional development budget and exploring collaborative opportunities within the community.
The second session, titled, "Reflecting on your Role as a Supervisor & Building Productive Supervisory Relationships with Staff," is scheduled for June 28 at 3:30 pm – 4:30 pm ET. Led by Elana Paru, a professional coach, mentor, and organizational consultant, this session will delve into the multifaceted nature of supervision. Participants will explore the importance of developing a professional and collaborative relationship between supervisors and supervisees. The session will offer strategies for providing and receiving effective supervision, emphasizing the shared responsibility and mutual accountability between supervisors and their staff. This interactive conversation promises to provide valuable insights and best practices for establishing and maintaining productive supervisory relationships.
The final session, titled "Creating Intentional Supervision For Your Staff," will take place on August 17, from 3:30 pm – 4:30 pm ET. Denise Moyes-Schnur will lead this session, addressing the challenges faced by early childhood supervisors working to meet the individual needs of their staff. Participants will explore the benefits of adopting a purposeful philosophy of staff supervision and how it can strengthen relationships within the team. Attendees will gain practical strategies and tools to implement intentional supervision practices, ensuring the growth and success of their early childhood teams.
Supervision plays a vital role in supporting teachers and promoting their professional development. Effective supervision goes beyond managing tasks and meeting deadlines. It entails building a nurturing and collaborative environment where both supervisors and supervisees feel valued and supported. By establishing a productive supervisory relationship, teachers can thrive and deliver high-quality education to their students.
To ensure the success of supervision, it is essential for supervisors to adopt best practices. These include providing regular feedback, setting clear expectations, fostering open communication, and promoting a culture of continuous learning. Additionally, supervisors should create opportunities for professional growth, such as offering relevant professional development opportunities, encouraging participation in conferences, and facilitating peer collaboration. By investing in the development of their staff, supervisors contribute to the overall improvement of the learning environment and the quality of education provided.
The Meet Up Series organized by ECE-RJ provides an excellent opportunity for early childhood directors and assistant directors to enhance their supervisory skills and explore innovative approaches to mentor a diverse staff effectively. By attending these sessions, participants can gain valuable insights and practical strategies that can be implemented in their respective institutions.
To register for the upcoming sessions or access the recording of the previous session, please visit the following links:
Session 1: Professional Development Dilemma: What? So what? Now what? Recording Link
Session 2: Reflecting on your Role as a Supervisor & Building Productive Supervisory Relationships with Staff - Registration Link
Session 3: Creating Intentional Supervision For Your Staff - Registration Link
Investing in professional development and promoting effective supervision practices are essential steps towards creating a nurturing and supportive relationship with early childhood educators and staff.
Zoë Miller and Mihaela Schwartz, Vice Presidents of Learning, ECE-RJ
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