"Besides being able to serve children more effectively, not being so isolated,...we can rely on each other as professionals and share ideas."

Learning, Engagement and Relationships are improved when teachers collaborate and reflect with one another. Madison teachers describe the ways in which teamwork among instructional staff enhances student learning in a new video titled How Instructional Teams Support the Educational Framework.

Several examples of effective teams are featured. Observations and key strategies are shared from Lincoln Elementary and Sherman Middle school teachers.

The video first started in 2004 in an effort to highlight successes and heighten understanding of the role of the Instructional Team in our schools. Producers Kathy Lyngaas, Nancy Caldwell and Peg Keeler teamed up with Mike Wetzel of the MMSD Media Production department to document best practices and interview staff who have seen progress in their students as a result of their efforts.

Featured topics include:

• finding time to make collaboration work,
• the benefits of multiple perspectives on student progress, and
• how to establish a working model for co-teaching.

The video is the first of a four-part series. Future installments will focus on Leadership Teams, Teacher Support Teams, and Student Support and Intervention Teams.

The program can be seen on MMSD-TV Cable Channel 10. Click here to see a segment . For more information, contact Kathy Lyngaas at 663-5200.