The March Slice of Life Challenge
hosted by The Two Writing Teachers
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"School [districts] should always be on a pathway of self-improvement, with the expectation that teachers will outgrow themselves." Lucy Calkins
I remember hearing those words in Lucy's opening remarks, kicking off the 2015 Coaching Institute on the Teaching of Reading. They were powerful! Today I was reminded again, of how powerful those words were. I am grateful to work in a district the ascribes to this philosophy.
Today was a professional learning day for teachers. In my role as literacy strategist, I am responsible, along with my coaching colleague, for providing the professional development on these days. I always approach these days hopeful that teachers will view the day as a beneficial use of their time. I spend a lot of time thinking (code for worrying) about if teachers will find the ideas and information we share tied to the work they are doing, not something "extra" that they have to find time to do. I want them to walk away feeling validated, while also feeling empowered to go deeper.
I'm exhausted and need to spend time reflecting with my coaching colleague on how we can improve for the next time. But my teaching heart is bolstered by the ways I saw and heard teachers expressing ways they can outgrow themselves. Tonight I'm letting those conversations, reminders that none of us (myself included) ever truly "arrive", replay themselves in my mind as I crash on the couch after a long but very affirming week!
I'm exhausted and need to spend time reflecting with my coaching colleague on how we can improve for the next time. But my teaching heart is bolstered by the ways I saw and heard teachers expressing ways they can outgrow themselves. Tonight I'm letting those conversations, reminders that none of us (myself included) ever truly "arrive", replay themselves in my mind as I crash on the couch after a long but very affirming week!
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reflection time is so vital, as is the knowledge that we've never fully arrived--there is always more to do and room to grow.
ReplyDeleteI think when we think we have "nothing" left to learn, we've reached a dangerous place. Always room for growth...no matter how long we've been at it!
DeleteIt was a great, productive day, Susan. As always you did a fabulous job!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Molly! I loved the energy I was hearing coming from the 1st grade share outs! So inspiring!
DeleteWe are always growing...we need to. Rest up from this week!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Tara!
DeleteLoved this phrase - "I spend a lot of time thinking (code for worrying) " - so true!! so true!! All teachers think too much. Have a great weekend!
ReplyDeleteI'm a frequent offender of over thinking!
DeleteThanks, Maureen!
You are so thoughtful and reflective - I'm sure you and your coaching colleague did plant many seeds yesterday. And I love the idea of those planted seeds helping teachers "outgrow themselves".
ReplyDeleteOh, yes...planted seeds that outgrow themselves! Love that, Karen! You always help me see things in different ways!
DeleteI love your title, literacy strategist!
ReplyDeleteIt sounds so "fancy" doesn't it? I love it, and my job, so much!
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