Advice from an experienced PYP coordinator

As relationships and trust are built throughout the implementation process, coordinators will better understand, “What “moves” teachers?”. Uncovering the strengths and needs of the school community will happen over time with empathy and patience. This will help drive the continuously evolving nature of the programme.

The role of the PYP coordinator is ever-evolving, along with the school community.

For affirmation and inspiration, consider the following advice and suggestions from experienced PYP coordinators:

• Access the IB Programme Resource Center. This will help answer any questions or clarify information regarding the programme.

• Refer to the Programme Standards and Practices at all times when policies are created, adjustments are made to the POI, new initiatives are started and when aligning policies and practice within the context of the school.

  • Pay particular attention to honoring the home languages of students in order to celebrate and support translanguaging.

  • Consider how “Language B” can elevate all aspects of the PYP within the school.

• Develop IB agreements together in order to support and build a positive collaborative community. Ask questions like:

  • What kind of community do we want to be?

  • What is our vision for the school year?

  • What does inquiry look like in our classrooms?

  • What does collaboration look, sound and feel like amongst our staff?

• Subscribe to the IB blog to read about teachers around the world sharing their IB experiences. Share applicable articles with the school staff.

• When preparing for the first IB site visit, utilize the “Guide to Authorization” and the consultant. As the visit approaches:

  • Familiarize yourself with relevant IB staff and be sure to respond to their inquiries promptly.

  • Make sure that you set up a system for tracking who has been trained and in what. Determine a system/plan for sending teachers to PD and how it will be financed.

Being a PYP coordinator can be a challenging, yet rewarding role. Not everything will be perfect on the first try and that is okay. Try not to take things personally and think about how you can be there for your school with understanding and empathy.