This document summarizes a collaborative meeting for teacher assistants and aides led by Derek Warren on February 4th, 2016. The meeting focused on overcoming obstacles to better serve students by applying concepts like Maslow's hierarchy of needs, developing common strategies, and using the 7 habits of highly effective people. Participants were encouraged to share ideas openly and problem solve scenarios through the lenses of student needs, effective habits, and potential strategies. The overall goal was to foster collaboration and flexibility to better support teaching and learning from a student-centered approach.

1. “Whatever It Takes”
Collaborative Opportunity for Teacher Assistants and Aides of VE
February 4, 2016
Led by: Derek Warren

2. Did you draw the short straw?

3. Start With Honesty
On sticky notes, write down all
the terrible, defeating, and
limiting parts of your job.

4. Without Looking…

5. Today is about doing what is best for kids. There are often obstacles (sticky
notes), but our emphasis and conversations are on solutions.
Take a risk, share your ideas with the group.
What is said here, stays here. Trust one another.
Listen with an open-mind when others share out, knowing that they have a
different perspective that can add value to your work.
Norms

6. Learn about Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs and determine how this
connects to our jobs.
Develop common strategies related to servicing our students—November’s
workshop (Darlene, Kathy, and Florence).
Overview of the 7 Habits of Highly Effective People—connect to our
work.
Problem solve various scenarios in groups. Consider needs, strategies, and
habits when tackling these problems.

7. Why?
Here at Village Elementary School, we:
•
• Foster collaboration to support teaching and
learning.
• Apply a growth mindset to be flexible and
innovative in our work.
• Have fun to create a positive environment.
• Work hard, giving our best in all we do to achieve
our goals.
• Are a student-centered community focused on
the success of the whole child.
•

9. Human Motivation=Needs Met
Or…

10. Little Things Matter: Strategy Share

11. 7 Habits of Highly Effective People

12. 7 Habits Explained

13. Scenario Lens:
• What need might be getting attacked?
• What habits might help in this
situation?
• What strategies might work in this
situation (if applicable)?
• How would you solve this?

14. Kids Need a Champion

15. Next Steps
Give the strategies and habits a try.
Find time for group collaboration.
Continue to be champions for our children!