Broadening Perspectives: The Benefits of Volunteering on an Accreditation Team
This week, I had the opportunity to serve as a member of a Middle States Association (MSA) accreditation team, observing and evaluating the operations of another school. The experience was both informative and professionally enriching, underscoring the value of raising your hand when these opportunities are offered. For educators and school leaders weighing whether or not to add this work to their already substantial load, here’s how it can directly benefit your professional growth and your school.
Gaining Fresh Insights
Visiting another school allows you to see different approaches to common challenges. From curriculum design to student engagement strategies, accreditation visits expose you to innovative practices that can inspire new ideas. For instance, I observed how one school successfully integrated interdisciplinary learning to enhance critical thinking and creativity. Such observations provide practical takeaways that can be adapted to fit your own institution’s needs.
Strengthening Evaluation Skills
Participating on an accreditation team sharpens your ability to assess school operations critically and constructively. This includes evaluating areas such as governance, curriculum, student support, and community engagement. These skills are invaluable when reflecting on your own school’s practices, helping you identify opportunities for improvement and implement evidence-based solutions. This also offers the more direct benefit of preparing you for your own school's reaccreditation, when the time comes. Spending a few days developing a deep understanding of every standard of evaluation will prove invaluable when it's your own turn to be assessed.
Networking with Peers
Accreditation work connects you with a diverse group of experienced educators and administrators. These interactions foster professional relationships that can lead to collaborative opportunities and resource-sharing long after the visit. Building a network of colleagues across schools and systems broadens your perspective and creates a support system for tackling complex challenges.
Staying Current with Trends
Being part of an accreditation team keeps you engaged with the latest trends and standards in education. It provides a practical context for understanding how schools are adapting to changes in pedagogy, technology, and community needs. This exposure helps ensure that your school remains competitive and aligned with best practices.
Reflecting on Your Leadership
Stepping into another school’s environment offers a unique lens through which to view your own leadership. Observing how others navigate challenges and celebrate successes can spark ideas for improving your approach to school management. For example, seeing how another school effectively communicated its mission to stakeholders might inspire new ways to align your own school’s practices with its values.
Contributing to the Field
Finally, accreditation work is a way to give back to the education community. By contributing your expertise to the evaluation process, you help uphold and elevate standards for student learning and school accountability. This collective effort benefits not only the schools involved but the broader educational landscape.
For educators and leaders looking to grow professionally, joining an accreditation team is a practical step that offers immediate and long-term benefits. It’s an opportunity to expand your skills, gain fresh perspectives, and strengthen your school’s practices. If you haven’t considered this kind of professional development, it’s worth exploring.
Have you participated in accreditation work? I’d love to hear your thoughts and experiences. Let’s continue the conversation and explore how we can use these opportunities to improve education for all.