Research finds associations between a sense of belonging and workplace performance, well-being, and learning.
Belonging-that deep sense of connectedness you feel within a group or a team-is part of what we designed for this year in our partnerships, networks and learning communities, recognizing the deep relationship between belonging and learning.
Through specific tools such as empathy interviews, team and network experiences designed to cultivate psychological safety required for deep learning and innovation, social network campaigns to unite communities around public educators and gamification strategies that forged deeper, more generative relationships through retreats, our aim was to design learning experiences for adults and students that yielded social cohesion among the groups, teams and communities we served.
GLISI was a great way for me to connect with teachers that I typically would not have the chance to meet with and discuss problems and solutions on a broader scale than just my department.
- Teacher, BCLS Participant
GLISI has brought other leaders, like minded and those who are very different, into my life that I did not know. That opportunity to learn, collaborate and challenge each other brought the walls of isolation down that were part of being a principal in a one high school town.
- District Leader, Georgia Deeper Learning Network Member
I have enjoyed being a part of a team that values all voices. It was nice to have my input be listened to and received. Most important, having the chance to learn from others' perspectives has been a professional development experience for me.
- Teacher, Portrait of a Graduate
GLISI provided a phenomenal experience that built our leadership team. We are learning to trust each other professionally and depending on each other for support. As a result of our experience together we understand each other and are more open to present problems and solutions with each other.
- Assistant Principal, BCLS Participant
It was truly a 'get in the fire with you' type of experience rather than feeling like you were in the situation alone.
- Government Leader, BCLS Participant
I am not alone. It was great to hear the perspective of others and hear that I am not on an island.
- Principal, BCLS Participant
