The biggest difference between being a PYP teacher and a PYP coordinator (PYPC) lies in the perspective we take. While teachers focus primarily on their students, advocating for their needs and planning engaging inquiries, the PYPC has a broader view encompassing the balance of the entire programme and the school community.
In this article, we will delve into the key roles of the coordinator within the school community, exploring how they support teachers, facilitate the implementation of the PYP, educate families, and communicate with the IB. By understanding the diverse dimensions of your role and responsibilites, you can gain insight into the pivotal role you play in ensuring a successful and enriching PYP experience for all stakeholders involved.
Table of content
Role #1 - Supporting the Teachers
Know your staff
As a leader of learning in your school, it is essential to establish connections with teachers. Take the time to get to know them personally and professionally. Consider organizing your schedule to allocate sufficient time for PYPC work (in front of your computer), classroom observations, and formal and informal meetings with them. This balanced approach will allow you to actively engage with the teaching and learning processes while offering valuable support.
Sample PYPC daily schedule:
Know your stuff
As the PYPC, you will be seen as a specialist in the PYP, and teachers will look to you for assistance, clarification, and inspiration regarding the programme.
To fulfill this role successfully, it is crucial for you to have a deep understanding of the IB standards and practices, as well as the documentation and implementation of the PYP. This knowledge will enable you to help teachers refine their approaches to teaching and align their instruction with the core elements of the programme.
A key aspect of supporting teachers is ensuring they have a strong grasp of the programme and its curriculum. You are responsible for facilitating their access to the school's chosen curriculum and supporting resources. Actively incorporating these documents into planning meetings and discussions will foster a collaborative environment where teachers can effectively integrate the PYP into their teaching and learning.
Read more about
where to seek support and resources in this article.
Unit planning
Unit planning plays a significant role in the PYP, and as the PYPC, you will spend a considerable amount of time helping teachers plan, reflect on, and deliver their units. Developing a meeting guideline that suits your context and teachers' needs is crucial.
Some goals for the planning meetings may include:
Review past years planners and update or establish new learning goals and success criteria for a unit
Plan the next week of learning experience based on students interest and response to teachers provocations
Discuss assessment: ongoing assessment, portfolios, and unit wrap-up projects.
Teacher ongoing and final reflections
Supporting teachers in finding resources about inquiry-based learning and PYP in general
etc.
Sample meeting schedule (1 unit - 12 weeks)
Coaching
While the PYPC shouldn't be an evaluator, you can act as a coach for teachers, supporting their professional growth and development. By being aware of their goals, you can model and co-teach lessons that align with their objectives, providing hands-on support and guidance.
Observing classes is an essential aspect of the PYPC's coaching role. By regularly observing teachers' classes, the PYPC gains valuable insights into their instructional practices, student engagement, and implementation of the PYP. These observations provide an opportunity to offer constructive feedback, identify areas of strength, and provide targeted support for areas that may require improvement. Through classroom observations, the PYPC can foster a culture of continuous reflection and growth, promoting effective teaching strategies and enhancing the overall quality of education within the PYP school.
A simple observation form could include the content observed and your comment or feedback. Remember that feedback should always be positive and specific, focus on solutions, and encourage open communication.
Modeling lessons is also an effective coaching method where you can showcase best practices and demonstrate effective strategies in the classroom. By observing their PYPC in action, teachers may gain insights into how to apply PYP principles, pedagogy, and inquiry-based methods effectively. This modeling helps teachers visualize and implement new approaches in their own teaching practice.
Co-teaching is another valuable coaching technique where the PYPC collaborates with teachers during the planning and delivery of lessons. This provides teachers with direct support and guidance, allowing them to observe effective instructional strategies and receive immediate feedback. Through co-teaching, teachers can enhance their skills, refine their practices, and develop a deeper understanding of the PYP framework.
Additionally, coaching involves reflective conversations where the PYPC creates a safe and supportive environment for teachers to critically analyze their teaching practices, identify strengths, and set goals for improvement. These conversations allow the PYPC to offer constructive feedback, suggest resources, and support teachers in developing effective strategies to address challenges.
Organizing PD
Organizing professional development opportunities for teachers is an integral part of the PYPC's responsibilities. Ensuring that teachers meet the professional development requirements set by the IB is essential for both their growth and the school's authorization and evaluation processes. Collaborate with your leadership team to identify relevant workshops, in-school professional development sessions, or external training opportunities that will enhance teachers' knowledge and practice.
Read more about the IB PD requirements on the IB's website and identify relevant workshops in the IB workshop catalogue.
Role #2 - Making the PYP Happen at Your School
Leading the learning
As the PYPC, you bear the responsibility of leading the implementation of the programme within your school. This entails ensuring that your team is well-informed about and actively working towards exemplifying the IB Standards and Practices. By actively working towards these standards, you contribute to the overall success and quality of the PYP experience for students and the entire school community.
A major aspect of your role is to develop clear and actionable school-wide goals that align with the IB framework. Collaborate with your leadership team to identify areas of improvement and growth based on the IB's recommendations and feedback from authorization or review visits. These goals should be communicated transparently to the entire learning community through an action plan, fostering a shared vision and commitment to the PYP.
Maintaining and sharing the Programme of Inquiry
Maintaining and sharing the Programme of Inquiry (POI) is another critical responsibility of the PYPC. The POI outlines the units of inquiry and the transdisciplinary themes that will be covered throughout the academic year. It is your duty to update and disseminate the POI, ensuring that it remains current and relevant to the evolving needs of the students and the curriculum. Regularly review and revise the POI in collaboration with teachers, aligning it vertically and horizontally to create a cohesive and balanced curriculum.
To support this process effectively, organize a school-wide meeting annually, specifically dedicated to aligning the POI, updating curriculum maps, and making any necessary adjustments to the programme. This meeting should involve all relevant stakeholders to ensure a comprehensive and collaborative approach to curriculum planning and implementation. By involving the entire learning community in this process, you foster a sense of ownership and engagement in the PYP journey.
Find out more about
the POI review process in a coming article.
Furthermore, the PYPC should facilitate access to and understanding of the programme of inquiry and the current units of inquiry for all members of the learning community. This includes students, teachers, parents, and other relevant stakeholders. Ensure that the POI is readily accessible, communicated effectively, and understood by all, promoting a shared understanding of the learning experiences students will engage in throughout the year.
An example of a POI display (source)
Role #3 - Educating Families about the Programme
In addition to supporting teachers and ensuring effective implementation of the PYP, the PYPC also plays a crucial role in educating families and the wider community about the programme. Building understanding and fostering a strong partnership with parents and caregivers is vital for the success of the PYP experience for students.
One of your responsibilities is to share information about the programme, the school's mission and vision, and the specific goals and objectives of the PYP. Organize regular parent workshops throughout the year to provide an overview of the PYP, its core principles, and the unique learning experiences it offers to students. These workshops can serve as opportunities to address any questions, concerns, or misconceptions that parents may have about the programme.
In addition to workshops, consider hosting parent information sessions where you can dive deeper into specific aspects of the PYP, such as the inquiry-based approach, transdisciplinary learning, or the development of key skills and attitudes. These sessions can help parents better understand their role in supporting their child's learning journey and create a shared language and understanding between the school and families.
To keep families engaged and informed about the programme, leverage various communication channels. Regularly update the school website, newsletters, and social media platforms with relevant PYP information, upcoming events, and highlights of student learning experiences. Consider creating a dedicated section on the school website or a PYP-specific newsletter to provide resources, articles, and tips for parents to support their child's learning at home.
Celebrate and showcase student learning and growth by organizing exhibitions, conferences, or open-house events where families can witness firsthand the outcomes of the PYP. These events provide an opportunity for students to share their inquiries, projects, and reflections with their families, creating a sense of pride and engagement in the learning process.
Furthermore, establish effective channels of communication between parents and teachers. Encourage open dialogue and regular updates regarding student progress, classroom activities, and upcoming events. Consider implementing platforms for digital communication, such as email or dedicated parent-teacher communication apps, to facilitate ongoing collaboration and information sharing.
There are many apps that schools can use, but many IB school now use a combination of Google Workspace and Toddle.
By actively engaging families and educating them about the programme, you foster a sense of partnership and shared responsibility in supporting student learning and growth. When families have a clear understanding of the PYP and feel connected to the school community, they can better support their child's learning journey, reinforce the PYP principles at home, and actively participate in school activities and initiatives.
Remember, consistent and transparent communication is key to building trust and maintaining a strong relationship between the school and families. By involving parents as active participants in their child's education, you create a collaborative and supportive environment that enhances the overall PYP experience for everyone involved.
Role #4 - Communicating with the IB
Finally, as the PYPC, you serve as a crucial link between your school and the IB. Effective communication with the IB is essential for authorization, evaluation, and ongoing collaboration to ensure the successful implementation of the PYP.
During the authorization and evaluation processes, you will engage in frequent communication with the IB to fulfill the necessary requirements and demonstrate your school's progress towards implementing the PYP.
But, beyond the authorization and evaluation processes, ongoing communication with the IB is also valuable for staying updated on the latest developments, resources, and professional development opportunities. Regularly check the IB's official website for updates, research publications, and guidelines related to the PYP. Participate in IB workshops, conferences, and online forums to connect with other PYPCs and educators and exchange best practices and insights.
Maintaining a strong relationship with the IB and its wider community also involves sharing your school's successes, challenges, and innovations in implementing the PYP. Consider collaborating with other PYPCs and schools within your region to create a network for sharing ideas and experiences. This can be done through cross-campus PYP newsletters or collaborative projects that promote collaboration and learning between schools.
As the PYPC, it is crucial to advocate for your school and the PYP within the wider IB community. Actively contribute to online forums, participate in regional or national IB meetings, and engage in professional networks to share your school's journey and learn from others. This active involvement will not only enhance your professional growth but also provide valuable insights and connections for your school's continued improvement.
By establishing effective communication channels and actively engaging with the IB and its wider community, you demonstrate your commitment to the principles and practices of the PYP. This collaboration fosters a supportive and connected community of educators working together to provide the best educational experience for students within the PYP framework.
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Final words
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The role of the PYPC in a PYP school is multifaceted and critical to the success of the programme. By supporting teachers, making the PYP happen at the school, educating families, and communicating with the IB, the PYPC creates a strong foundation for a thriving PYP community. The PYPC's impact extends far beyond the classroom, shaping the entire school community and fostering a culture of excellence and growth in the PYP journey.
What are your experiences with the role of the PYPC in a PYP school?
How do you think effective support for teachers, implementation of the PYP, and communication with families and the IB contribute to the success of the programme? I would love to hear your thoughts and insights! Please leave a comment below and share your perspectives.
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