Changes

Cohesiveness has been one of the strengths of my department. We are small, we have been on the same page about student success and we enjoy working together. It is a recipe that has made for positive student outcomes and a fun place to work. This upcoming year we are having several staff changes at 6th and 8th grade. I'm sad to see my colleagues move on to new positions and challenges but know that they will excel in their new responsibilities. My challenge is how to welcome our new members but maintain the close working relationship that our department has had in he past. We have seven teachers and our staff changes include 3 people so the amount of change is significant.

I need to focus on how my role of coach needs to change to support these teachers who are newer to the profession and new to the discipline. I'm excited to have fresh ideas but also concerned that we will experience growing (changing) pains.  I realize that some difficulties are inevitable but I'd like to do what I can to make this transition as smooth as possible. Any thoughts from those who have been in similar situations?