Your role at Burke's
When did this opportunity take place?
Dec 4-7 @ POCC
Summary of workshop/opportunity
Presenter: John Igwebuike, Saint Ignatius College Prep (IL)
Do you wish the people around you listened better? Do you feel like your relationships with colleagues, coworkers, and community members could be enhanced if communicating parties listened more empathetically? Do you believe that perceived conflicts, polarization, and toxic divisions can be overcome by better active listening? Join an active listening activist who champions the positive power of effective listening to build bridges, cultivate care cultures, and foster wellness. Dive deep into the greatest skill rarely taught, exploring advanced listening topics. Discover what type of listener you are; identify barriers to listening; summarize chief characteristics of great listeners; analyze neuroscience around listening; and summarize activities that can improve intra-, inter-, and institutional listening skills.
What were your big takeaways from your workshop or project?
The workshop emphasized the transformative power of active listening in fostering better communication and collaboration. Key takeaways include:
• Understanding the importance of empathetic listening to strengthen relationships within the school community.
• Identifying my own listening style and recognizing barriers that can hinder effective communication.
• Learning the neuroscience behind listening, which provides a foundation for improving interpersonal and institutional dynamics.
• Gaining actionable strategies to promote care cultures and wellness through better listening practices.
How does what you learned connect to your goals this year?
One of my goals this year is to enhance collaboration and communication between teachers, staff, and the tech department to ensure the smooth implementation of educational technology. By applying active listening skills:
• I can better understand teachers’ needs and challenges with tech integration.
• I’ll be more equipped to address concerns empathetically, ensuring everyone feels heard and valued.
• This aligns with fostering a culture of trust and support, essential in a K-8 environment.
How might this opportunity lead to collaboration with other faculty?
Improved listening skills can facilitate deeper collaboration by:
• Encouraging open dialogue and mutual understanding during meetings or tech-related discussions.
• Helping teachers share their unique perspectives on classroom needs, which can inform tech decisions.
• Building stronger, more empathetic connections with faculty that foster teamwork across grade levels and subjects.
How does this PD learning or experience impact your work?
The insights from this experience directly enhance my role by:
• Helping me tailor technology solutions that are truly responsive to teachers’ and students’ needs.
• Strengthening my ability to mediate and resolve any conflicts or misalignments in tech implementation.
• Empowering me to build a more collaborative and empathetic school environment, ensuring the tech department is seen as a supportive and approachable resource.
Would you recommend this opportunity? Why or why not?
This workshop is an excellent opportunity for anyone looking to strengthen their interpersonal skills, enhance collaboration, and build a culture of understanding and care within the school community. It’s particularly valuable for educators and staff in roles that involve frequent communication and teamwork.
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