This is the time of the year when a new group of science TOSAs (teachers on special assignment) tend to enter the realm of school district office science support. Now you may have a different term than TOSA in your neck of the woods- but basically this is a position where a classroom teacher continues to be paid a teacher salary (with perhaps a few extra hours thrown in) but does district office administrative level work to support science implementation.
Over the last 10 years I have worked with and supported many people in these Science TOSA positions and I’ve noticed that many school districts do not adequately support those who take on these positions. The skillset of a successful classroom science teacher is often not the same skillset necessary to be a successful science education leader. I’ve also noticed that there are a huge variety of roles that these Science TOSAs might be expected to take on- here are a few that come to mind:
- Science Curriculum and Assessment expert K-5, MS, HS or all 3
- Mentor teacher
- Instructional coach
- Professional Development Designer and Provider
- Meeting coordinator and facilitator
- Science Materials Manager
- Science Curriculum Review Committee Leader
- and so much more
Some skills that Science TOSAs may need (that may differ from classroom teaching):
- advocating for science instruction within your own district
- working in uncertain and ever-changing environments
- working with mostly adults (vs mostly kids)
- navigating school district politics
- managing a budget
While the following is not an exhaustive list- here are a few books that I highly recommend for the beginning Science TOSA. By the way- most of these are not science education specific. I’ll post a Part 2 in the future with some of my favorite science ed resources for new TOSAs.
Designing Professional Development for Teachers of Math and Science (3rd edition) This is an oldie but a goody- the framework for developing and planning PD is just as effective and useful today.
Leading Every Day: 124 Actions for Effective Leadership A set of short snippets that can be used personally or with small groups to focus on leadership.
Cognitive Coaching: A Foundation for Renaissance Schools Another oldie- but this book provides an excellent framework for coaching and working with adults.
Choreography of Presenting A short and readable guide on effectively presenting to adults.
Evaluating Professional Development So you’re delivering PD…but how are you evaluating the effectiveness of that PD? This is the book to get you started.
Science for All 