supportive partners willing to do something with us. Our pitch
was that we were looking to doing something sustainable,
different and out of the box. This was music to the ears of these
partners who were willing to forge new ground in supporting a
school community.
Finding the right instructional support is key as well in
implementing STEAM. We reached out to Susan Riley and her
team at Education Closet. They provided a targeted and personal
level of professional development for our teachers and took the
time to connect with our school.
Having the right team in place is also necessary when failure
permeates. The right team also has to have the right mindset.
Our Sixth Grade Pilot was so successful in its implementation
that our school district gave us the permission to apply for the
federal magnet grant. This grant was valued at close to $2 Million.
We formed a team and put forth many hours to prepare for and
compose this application. Unfortunately, our grant application
was rejected.
One of the worst moments as principal at Wiley was preparing to
face the teachers to let them know that our grant application was
not accepted. We were to have an impromptu faculty meeting in
our Media Center. As I walked in heavy with malaise, I noticed
that the entire Magnet Application Team was standing in my usual
spot for presenting at faculty meetings. One of the teachers on
that whispered to me this: “We all stand together. Game on.”
My so-called malaise disappeared. Our team of teachers dug
deeper with a sense of urgency and we worked harder to bring
Wiley to another new mission with STEAM. Soon after, our school
district gave us the green light for Wiley to become a Magnet
School.
Implementing a schoolwide change is an overwhelming
endeavor. It must be approached with a mindset that people
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