Intentionality fuels strong teaching teams. Learn how trust, communication and shared responsibility create classrooms where everyone can thrive.
A strong teaching team sets the tone for the entire classroom. 
In this episode, Rhonda Meyers welcomes longtime early childhood educator, coach and former Heartfelt team member Wendy Malkiewicz to talk about how to build strong teaching teams.
Start by making the classroom shared. Divide responsibilities around each teacher’s strengths, plan together and make sure every adult is engaged in the life of the classroom. 
Wendy also recommends protecting 10 or 15 minutes every day for teachers to connect. Discuss what went well, what could be better and where children were most engaged that day. Collaboration creates opportunities to grow together.
[00:11:31] “There is something to be said about a sense of belonging, not just for the children, not just for the families, but you have to grow that together as adults.”
Strong teams also need room for honesty. Wendy remembers a time when her co-teacher recognized that something was wrong and created a safe space for a difficult conversation. Feeling heard changed the relationship.
[00:33:20] “When it comes to kiddos, we talk about behavior being communication. It is no different with adults.”
If a teammate’s behavior changes, Wendy urges teachers to pause, ask what is wrong and be willing to listen without filling in the story yourself.
Teaching teams grow stronger when people have time to communicate, permission to be vulnerable and confidence that the person beside them will have their back.

Building Strong Teaching Teams

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