We are just starting our second week of the 2015-16 school year. I always love this time of year. Teachers are building the foundation for the school year with their students. Setting high expectations and encouraging students to try new things. As a classroom teacher, this was one of my favorite tasks to accomplish at the beginning of the year. I wanted to form a classroom community that was built on mutual respect, strong relationships and trust. As educators, we know this is the most important aspect to any classroom community. The Responsive Classroom techniques I used ensured success year after year. No matter how many things were on my "To Do" list, I always planned and held a morning meeting and closing circle.
Last year was the first time, I wasn't setting up this type of community with students but with fellow educators. As the site coordinator for our district mentoring program, I worked to build a community for our new hires that provided mentoring opportunities delivered in a blended learning environment. It was an amazing learning opportunity. I enjoyed growing and learning along with our new teachers.
Now that I've experience a full year in my new role, I am excited to reflect and adapt past practices to improve professional development for educators in my district.
My first reflection for this school year is the power of relationships and collaboration. Much like I fostered a sense of community in my classroom, it is equally important when working with fellow educators.
Last Monday, we began an integration between our state wide grade reporting system, eSchoolPlus and Schoology, our learning management system. There were some stressful moments but we were quickly able to solve problems and provide support. This was because of strong relationships and collaboration. Through digital tools like Voxer, we were able to clearly communicate problems, give and receive feedback. This type of collaboration and response time was never possible before. It was amazing to be in classrooms and support teachers this week as they build their classroom communities. In my role as an instructional coach, I want to build a supportive community of professional learning with my colleagues.
I wanted to take a moment to thank the team of educators around my district that helped faciliate a smooth transition. Tom Gavin, Phil Smallwood, Pete Leida, Doug Timm, Katey Corey, Jesse McNulty, Tiffany Kannegiezer. Lori Minka, Travis Reid, Lisa Mims, Beth Greenstein, Debbie Pfotzer, Laura Zerbato and Bud Clark for sharing. (I hope I didn't forget anyone else.) Your experiences are essential as we support and train others throughout the district. Please continue to share and collaborate. Together we can move our district on a Path to Personalization.
Last year was the first time, I wasn't setting up this type of community with students but with fellow educators. As the site coordinator for our district mentoring program, I worked to build a community for our new hires that provided mentoring opportunities delivered in a blended learning environment. It was an amazing learning opportunity. I enjoyed growing and learning along with our new teachers.
Now that I've experience a full year in my new role, I am excited to reflect and adapt past practices to improve professional development for educators in my district.
My first reflection for this school year is the power of relationships and collaboration. Much like I fostered a sense of community in my classroom, it is equally important when working with fellow educators.
Last Monday, we began an integration between our state wide grade reporting system, eSchoolPlus and Schoology, our learning management system. There were some stressful moments but we were quickly able to solve problems and provide support. This was because of strong relationships and collaboration. Through digital tools like Voxer, we were able to clearly communicate problems, give and receive feedback. This type of collaboration and response time was never possible before. It was amazing to be in classrooms and support teachers this week as they build their classroom communities. In my role as an instructional coach, I want to build a supportive community of professional learning with my colleagues.
I wanted to take a moment to thank the team of educators around my district that helped faciliate a smooth transition. Tom Gavin, Phil Smallwood, Pete Leida, Doug Timm, Katey Corey, Jesse McNulty, Tiffany Kannegiezer. Lori Minka, Travis Reid, Lisa Mims, Beth Greenstein, Debbie Pfotzer, Laura Zerbato and Bud Clark for sharing. (I hope I didn't forget anyone else.) Your experiences are essential as we support and train others throughout the district. Please continue to share and collaborate. Together we can move our district on a Path to Personalization.