This document outlines a staff development training on creating a collaborative environment for professional educators. The objectives are to help teachers develop an understanding of collaboration concepts like leadership, problem-solving and communication. Participants will include teachers, administrators, counselors and other school staff. The training will use group activities to teach collaboration skills and allow participants to apply the skills to address real school issues. Effectiveness will be evaluated through surveys and by assessing whether a pre-training KWL chart was completed.

1. CREATING A COLLABORATIVE ENVIRONMENT FOR PROFESSIONAL EDUCATORS “ We are smarter together than we are apart.”

10. Activity #3 - Fixing Snacks Together Group#3Tuna, celery, cooked eggs, mayo, salt & pepper, wraps. Group#4Ham, salami, turkey cold cuts, slide cheese, lettuce, tomatoes, onions, bread, wraps. Group#2Tomatoes, peppers, olives, carrots, olive oil, Italian dressing, cooked pasta . Group#1Apples, bananas, melon, grapes, watermelon, strawberries, whipped cream .

12. CONCLUSION Summary of groups flip charts Big Question How can we improve the school based on today’s workshop? How do you communicate effectively? How do you lead effectively? How do you solve a problem effectively?

13. The facilitator will relate to concrete ideas presented by respected authors to support the specific concepts present in this training Collaboration is essential to your success as a school professional.” Collaboration is an interpersonal style that professionals may use in their interactions with colleagues, parents, and others” “ Effective listening & nonverbal communication is characterized by openness, meaningfulness, effective use of silence, and an ability to adapt communication to meet the needs of the task and the relationship”. “ Leadership skills are those that help the group function effectively and progress towards its goals” “ Model of Interpersonal Problem Solving Steps”