As Baby Boomer teachers retire and are replaced by members of Generation Y (born between 1977 and 1995) we have come to appreciate that Gen Y employees have a very different set of characteristics shaped by a far different set of life experiences. They are . . .- Highly educated, value education and attribute their success to education;
- Very comfortable using technology and expect it to be available in the workplace;
- Tend to be creative, innovative and self-confident;
- Committed to making a difference and contributing to positive social change;
- Want to be connected, updated and included and involved in their work;
- Desire relationships with co-workers and supervisors;
- Looking for opportunities for growth, challenging work and assignments and flexibility in work schedules;
- Possess collaborative skills, are committed to team-building and expect to be held accountable.
So, what are some strategies for working with Gen Y teachers? A report from the National Comprehensive Center for Teacher Quality (www.tqsource.org) identified ten strategies. They are described in this article about working with Gen Y teachers and a changing workforce (www.principalspartnership.com/feature510.html).
I hope you find the ideas thought-provoking. While the tools are not new, the application to Gen Y teachers is different than it would be for Baby Boomers. Just as Baby Boomers changed American society, so will Gen Y. They hold tremendous potential for making a difference in the lives of American students. I'd enjoy hearing from you about your experience with Generation Y teachers.
