Building Connections: Fall PAT Supervisors Learning Communities
By Teresa Duffey, Assistant Program Manager, PAT IL State Office
Fall is one of our favorite times of year for many reasons, not the least of which is the opportunity to come together with so many programs for the Fall Parents as Teachers Supervisors Learning Community. This year, we gathered in Springfield, Mt. Vernon, Sterling, Wheaton, and virtually with PAT Affiliate programs from across the state to share, learn, and grow together. Grounded in the Institute for the Advancement of Support Professionals’ Supervisors Competencies, the PAT Essential Requirements and Quality Standards, and trends from the field, directors, supervisors, lead Parent Educators discussed a wide range of topics facilitated by the PAT State Office team of technical assistance providers.
Our two focus areas were around engagement: engagement with difficult-to-reach families; and engaging and retaining staff. Each topic was framed through PAT model guidance and resources, but with critical input from supervisors in sharing their lived experiences, struggles, successes and strategies with one another. We are always so inspired by the creative ways programs are serving their communities and strengthening their teams, and the way they lift up each other and lean on one another for support. We look forward to being together again in the spring!