Since 1995, I’ve been deeply immersed the dilemma of family partnerships, especially for secondary youth with disabilities.

That topic has been my focus in more than 60 presentations/workshops across the country, 8 book chapters, 4 journal articles, and graduate courses taught at two universities.

Last week, I was listening to someone describe her day when I was startled alert through her use of the word “delight.” She said she looks for delight in her day. It got me thinking…

I attended the Delaware Vision Coalition Conference at University of Delaware last week. The conference title inspired me: Strengthening Collaboration.

The speakers and panelists invited us to look deeply at collaboration from multiple perspectives and in a variety of dimensions. While there were many highlights and lots of stimulating discussion, I left with four takeaways that haunt me. I’m curious if they will affect you the same way.

I dare YOU to go first!

Are you a role model for learning?

We know that students are always watching the adults in their lives. From an early age, they mirror the attitudes and habits of their parents. That’s how they learn to walk and talk. That’s why they speak with an accent and why they bring unquestioned attitudes and beliefs with them to school. But then educators present them with new information, new ways of thinking.

We are all bombarded by so many competing priorities for our time, our attention, our energy. We launch initiatives that are important… emphasis on literacy, on math skills, on higher order thinking, on character, on social justice, on developing 21st Century skills… the list goes on and on. But what’s important?

Let’s be honest. When two teachers are scheduled to be co-teachers, it’s not easy. There are issues with expectations and communication, with differing perspectives about students, and with establishing mutual classroom routines for instruction and management. Over the years, I’ve witnessed all sorts of things that can go wrong. But it doesn’t have to be that way!

Many schools and districts have instituted a position of Instructional Coach to support teachers as they improve their instructional practices. Coaches are everywhere in the fields of athletics, performing arts, and business leadership. Most books and experts on personal development recommend finding a coach to support your own professional learning path.

What does a special educator bring to a team?

I have been puzzling over this question ever since I first heard of the new special education law in 1975. Exactly what is a special educator supposed to do?

Does your school have an Instructional Coach? Many schools have added such a position, either for general or discipline-specific support to the faculty. The person hired is usually an exceptionally strong teacher who has existing influence in the building.

Last month, during a conversation of possibilities, I asked a school leader about his practices for family engagement.

“Would you be interested in expanding your practices to build stronger partnerships with your families?”