Collaborative Instructional Rounds with Matt Griesinger

Professional learning doesn’t have to be top-down. In fact, the most impactful professional learning often comes from within a school’s walls, leveraging the expertise of the educators themselves. In an episode of The Best of Us podcast, Matt Griesinger, Assistant Principal at Northwest Education Services Career Tech, shares a transformative approach to professional learning: Collaborative Instructional Rounds (CIR).

A Three-Tiered Peer Learning Model

At the heart of CIR is a structured, three-tiered process designed to make professional learning truly collaborative:

Classroom Observations: Teachers observe their peers in real-time, gaining insights into teaching strategies, classroom management, and student engagement techniques.
Reflection and Feedback: After observations, participants engage in reflective discussions, offering constructive feedback and sharing takeaways that can be implemented in their own practice.
Implementation and Iteration: Teachers apply these insights in their own classrooms, with follow-up rounds ensuring continuous improvement and support.

This cyclical process ensures that professional learning is not just theoretical but directly applicable, fostering a culture of shared growth.

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Practical Strategies for Success

Griesinger offers actionable advice for implementing CIR effectively:

Start Small: Pilot the process with a small group of teachers to refine the approach before scaling up.
Provide Training: Ensure participants understand the goals and methods of CIR through clear guidelines and expectations.
Gather Feedback: Continuously evaluate and adapt the process based on teacher input to keep it impactful and relevant.

Collaborative Instructional Rounds represent a shift from traditional, one-size-fits-all PD to a dynamic, teacher-centered model that values educators’ expertise. By fostering collaboration and real-time growth, schools can create an environment where teachers feel empowered, supported, and equipped to thrive.

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To dive deeper into this innovative approach, listen to the full episode of The Best of Us podcast featuring Matt Griesinger here.

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