SE Valley Times

Mesa Public Schools is shifting from a traditional single-teacher model to a team-based teaching approach, in collaboration with the Arizona State University (ASU) Next Education Workforce initiative. This change aims to improve student learning and support teachers' professional growth through collaborative practices.

Teaming involves educators working together to plan and deliver instruction in a flexible environment. Teachers can leverage their strengths, create adaptable groupings, and bring diverse expertise into the classroom, providing students with a comprehensive educational experience tailored to their needs.

Superintendent Dr. Andi Fourlis describes various innovations within schools, such as see-through connecting doors for shared classrooms and resources like therapy dogs and industry mentors. “Teaming has increased teacher retention, boosted morale, and enhanced student support,” says Fourlis. “We see greater engagement, fewer teacher absences, and improved learning experiences.”

Building effective teaching teams requires careful planning and strong communication. Over 40 schools are in the early stages of forming educator teams; about 20 have at least one team working on refining their practices. Some schools have fully adopted this model school-wide, while others continue expanding their efforts.

Krista Adams, district leadership coach for the Next Education Workforce at Mesa Public Schools, notes that teaming strengthens student-teacher relationships by fostering a supportive environment. At a recent showcase event, students shared positive experiences about transitioning into this new setting. One remarked on the ease of getting help; another appreciated the open communication among teachers.

Adams explains that this strategy promotes personalized learning and reduces discipline issues while offering mentorship opportunities for new educators. The initiative has gained international attention; Zaharis and Hermosa Vista elementary schools recently hosted 40 educators from the Netherlands to observe the district's model.

A Hermosa Vista kindergarten teacher noted that while teaming isn't easy, it makes challenging tasks more manageable: “It’s not that teaming is easy; it’s just easier to do harder things.” Adams adds that building successful teams requires effort but provides significant benefits.

The team-based approach also enhances parental involvement by encouraging parents to engage with school activities and communicate with teachers regularly. This collaboration enriches students' educational experiences by strengthening their support systems.