Anchored Training is Going Back to School with Abbott Elementary!
This back-to-school season, as my girls get settled in a new school district and I enjoy the simple fun of new school supplies, I've been thinking about getting back to the basics in L&D too.
Often when I'm feeling overwhelmed by all of the possible directions a future-focused L&D strategy could take me in, I take a beat 😮💨 and touch base with the core values that sparked my love of learning.
This time, my mental rabbit hole made me think of Abbott Elementary, the mockumentary-style TV show set in a Philadelphia public school. In addition to offering a lots of laughs, it's also chock-full of insights about learning and development.
I jotted down 5 of my favorite Abbott Elementary lessons to share with you, that I hope will take you back to the days when L&D first caught your attention... when challenges felt like opportunities ... and your passion was at its peak.
5 L&D Lessons from Abbott Elementary
1. The Power of Resilience
The teachers at Abbott Elementary exemplify resilience in the face of numerous challenges, including underfunding, lack of resources, and sometimes difficult student behaviors (sound familiar?!). Despite these obstacles, they remain dedicated to their mission of educating and nurturing their students. We're reminded of the importance of perseverance and adapting to challenges, showing that determination and a positive attitude can make a significant difference.
See what other traits you should be honing to be a leader of tomorrow ➝
2. The Value of Community
The show highlights how a supportive community can uplift individuals and create a more effective learning environment. The camaraderie among the staff (despite some VERY unique personalities 😂), their collaboration, and mutual support underscore the idea that working together can lead to better outcomes. Beyond colleagues, this a good reminder that we are ALL a community working towards creating the best training experiences for our learners, and we can all benefit from each other's support.
Are you building a community that Gen Z wants to be a part of? ➝
3. Innovation and Creativity in Problem-Solving
Faced with limited resources, the teachers of Abbott Elementary often have to think outside the box to provide the best education possible. Whether it's using unconventional methods to teach a lesson or finding creative solutions to everyday problems, the show illustrates that innovation and creativity are crucial skills. This reminds us that while the latest technologies or abundant resources are always preferred, effective learning thrives on passion, creativity, and the ability to adapt to challenges.
Is creativity something that can be practiced? You bet it is ➝
4. Diverse and Personalized Learning:
Abbott Elementary regularly emphasizes the importance of recognizing and addressing the diverse needs of students. The show portrays a range of student backgrounds and abilities, prompting teachers to employ differentiated instruction strategies. This approach ensures that all students, regardless of their starting point, have the opportunity to succeed. The series sheds light on the necessity of understanding each student's unique context and adapting teaching methods accordingly, reinforcing the idea that equity in education is about providing personalized support to help every student reach their full potential.
Are you harnessing the power of customized learning arcs? ➝
5. Empathy and Understanding
Featuring a cast of staff and students from many different backgrounds faced with circumstances we can all relate to, the show emphasizes the importance of understanding and empathizing with others. The teachers often go above and beyond to understand their students' backgrounds, challenges, and needs. This lesson is invaluable, as it reminds us that empathy can bridge gaps, foster stronger relationships, and create a more inclusive and supportive environment.
Make sure every employee feels like they are valued ➝
Work With Us
Is your L&D strategy missing one of these core values? Anchored Training's Signature Blueprint might be just what you need to get you back on track. Our learning blueprint optimizes the L&D basics and bridges the nextgen gap to catapult you into a better future for your learners AND your organization.
This comprehensive report, made up of a learner analysis, learner profile, course plan, and platform and tools recommendations, will provide you guidance and clarity on how to deliver your training to your ideal students.
