Practical PD: The Inside-Outside Circle

At Imagineerz, we believe that in order for teachers to successfully facilitate social-emotional learning with students, they must first participate in those same learning experiences. The following is an activity principals can facilitate during a staff meeting that teachers can modify to use with their students.

Building strong relationships and fostering empathy among teachers is essential for creating a positive and supportive school culture. One powerful activity that principals can facilitate to achieve these goals is the Inside-Outside Circle.

Instructions

1. Divide the staff members into two equal-sized groups: an inside circle and an outside circle. If there are an odd number of participants, the principal can join in.
2. Have the inside circle face outward, and the outside circle face inward, so that each person is paired up with someone from the opposite circle.
3. Pose a thought-provoking question related to personal or professional growth. For example, “What is one valuable lesson you have learned during your teaching career?”
4. Give the pairs a designated time (e.g., 1-2 minutes) to share their response to the question with their partner. Encourage active listening and open dialogue.
5. After the time is up, the principal can signal for the outside circle to rotate one position to the right, creating new pairs with different partners. Repeat steps 3-5 with a new question.
6. Continue rotating and discussing different questions for several rounds, allowing staff members to interact with various colleagues.

Benefits

Implementing the Inside-Outside Circle yields several valuable benefits for teachers and the overall school community:

• Building trust and connection: By sharing personal experiences, teachers develop a deeper understanding and appreciation for one another. This cultivates trust, strengthens relationships, and enhances collaboration within the school community.
• Fostering empathy and understanding: The activity provides an opportunity for teachers to gain insights into each other’s perspectives, challenges, and triumphs. This fosters empathy, which can positively impact classroom dynamics and student-teacher relationships.
• Enhancing professional growth: Engaging in reflective discussions and actively listening to colleagues’ experiences can lead to professional growth and the exchange of effective teaching strategies. Teachers can learn from one another, enhancing their instructional practices and ultimately benefiting students.
• Creating a positive school culture: The Inside-Outside Circle promotes a sense of belonging, empathy, and understanding within the school community. This contributes to a positive school culture where teachers feel supported, valued, and motivated to collaborate and strive for excellence.