Full Description
"An insightful and uplifting read!"
—James Rickabaugh, Superintendent, Whitefish Bay School District, WI
"Baby boomer teachers are now the old guard. Gen-Xers demand accountability and transparency. And Millennials are recasting the attitudes and behaviors of youth. The authors provide a roadmap that rings true with anyone who works in a school."
—Neil Howe, LifeCourse Associates
Author, Generations and Millennials Rising
An enlightening guide to encourage multigenerational school staff collaboration.
Today's workforce comprises distinct generational cohorts—Veterans, Baby Boomers, Gen-Xers, and Millennials. Generations at School provides educators with the knowledge and tools to create and sustain true collaboration, teamwork, and consensus.
Suzette Lovely and Austin G. Buffum introduce the traits and tipping points of these diverse age groups, while providing:
Case studies and workplace alternatives for the hiring and retention of high-quality employees as well as practices for orientation, mentoring, and boosting schoolwide communication
Guidelines for examining the generational footprint of an entire district, department, or school site
Easy-to-apply strategies to promote cross-generational collaboration, performance, and harmony
When sound communication emerges and differences are understood, school districts can create communities that appreciate the uniqueness of each member and value the rich contributions from a multigenerational staff.
Contents
Foreword by Roland S. Barth
Preface: The Demographic Divide
Acknowledgments
About the Authors
1. The Generations at Work in Schools
The Perfect Storm
Who's Who? A Snapshot of Four Living Generations
Roadmaps and Aspirations
Conclusion: A Cause Celebre
2. New Rules for the Sandbox
Coloring Within the Lines
From School to Work
The Birth of Organized Labor
Trailblazers, Pioneers, and Indiana Jones
The Neutral Zone
That Was Then, This Is Now
Conclusion: Let Go of the Quo
3. Cross Age Connections in a Learning Community
Intergenerational Chemistry in a PLC
Know Your Lineup
A Case in Point
Conclusion: Ageless Excellence
4. Recruitment Renaissance: Give It to 'Em Their Way
Generational Forecasting
Start Your Own Farm Team
Who's on First?
On Your Mark, Get Set, Go!
Be All That You Can Be
Handle With Care
Conclusion: Become First-Rate
5. Creating Synergy in the Schoolhouse
The Demographic Gulch
Hi Ho, Hi Ho, It's Off to Work We Go
The Synergy Doctrine
Diplomacy: New Word of the Day
Connecting the Dots
Conclusion: Not Too Young, Not Too Old
6. Here Come the Millennials, Ready or Not!
Generational Recycling
Bye-Bye, Breakfast Club
A Special Lot
Safety First!
Oozing With Optimism
Teamwork: Here, There, Everywhere
Conventional Wisdom
Under Pressure
Achievers 'R' Us
When Theory Meets Practice
Conclusion: In Good Hands
7. Meet the Parents
Fly-Overs and Swoop-Ins
Lower the Drawbridge
Outwit, Outlast, Outplay
Mind Your Manners
Different Worlds
Does Your Complaint Policy Make the Grade?
Conclusion: Let's Make a Deal
Resource A: Attracting and Retaining High-Quality Leaders: District Inventory
Resource B: Snag the Best and Bypass the Rest: Behavioral-Based Interview Questions
Resource C: Partnership Teaching Contract Language
Resource D: Synergy Audit: How Generationally Friendly Is Your Workplace?
Resource E: Civility Board Policy
References
