Sticky Note Stations
A simple way for teachers to share honest feedback and ideas anonymously.
Ongoing
Goal Buddy Pair-Ups
A simple professional development idea that builds lasting peer support.
Wendy Thamm
Pair teachers up as "goal buddies" who check in with each other on their growth goals every few weeks. It is a low-lift professional development idea that turns individual goals into an ongoing peer conversation.
Why try it
Build ongoing peer support around professional growth by pairing teachers up to check in on each other's goals. A quick conversation with a colleague keeps a goal top of mind long after it is set.
What's included
Browse the printables included with this resource.
Instructions
1
Create the pairs
Pair teachers up as goal buddies. Mix grade levels or departments so buddies bring different perspectives to the conversation.
2
Share sample questions
Give each pair the included conversation cards, or 2-3 sample questions such as "What's your biggest growth win this week?" and "What's one strategy you're trying next?"
3
Set the check-in rhythm
Ask pairs to check in every few weeks, in whatever format works for them: a text, a coffee chat, or a quick hallway conversation.
4
Check in on the pairs
Pop in with each pair every few weeks to ask how the conversations are going and offer support where needed.
Activity variations
Adapt to fit your school's vibe, budget, and setting.
Group goal huddles
Once a semester, bring three or four pairs together to swap strategies across the group.
Leader-teacher pairing
Consider pairing yourself with a newer teacher for a check-in to build trust and stay close to the goals they are working on.
Go deeper
Additional tips for running this resource.
Leader Tip #1
Model it yourself
Share your own growth goal with a colleague occasionally to show the practice in action.
Leader Tip #2
Rotate pairs each semester
Fresh pairings introduce new perspectives and keep the conversations from going stale.
Built by Educators, for School Leaders
This resource was created in collaboration with passionate educators and school leaders who believe in the power of intentional connection.
Wendy Thamm
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