"We learn more, think differently, and do better when we have regular access to others who help us reflect on our craft and discover new opportunities."
(Muhtaris & Ziemke p 25)
I'm taking a class this week which is completely and unexpectedly exactly what I need right now. At times I feel so secluded in my school surrounded by 30+ staff members, many with teaching experience that exceeds my years on this planet. I am one on a team of eight teachers, and we are teachers with very different styles who do not always collaborate with ease. There are mandates coming down from above and I do not feel that each of these will be what is best for student learning. I want to empower my students to think, to ask questions and to always be curious. I want to change the way things are run, I want to empower the teachers around me, I want to be part of a tribe of teachers doing the same.
Each year I take an inspiring class and I say, "I will do things differently this year! I will change it all to do what is best for students!" But August comes, my enthusiasm has waned and I return to school following directions of which program to teach, and changing just a little thing or two. Reading Amplify by Katie Muhtaris & Kristin Ziemke I am feeling a new enthusiasm that I can carry into the new year. I fee less secluded. This week I joined Twitter and in just two days I feel that I am beginning to connect with other likeminded teachers. But I am also connecting with those who think differently and I look forward to seeing where conversations can go. I know continuing to connect and talk through the summer and far beyond will keep me from falling into old habits.
This year I have to do it differently. I want to take my day, my week, my year and look at what I can do to empower the students to be constantly curious. I think it will a Discovery Journey to see what I can do, where I can take the students and who I can meet along the way.
Your decision to make a "Discovery Journey will be a challenge, but a challenge so worth it.Go for it!!! I caution that you may not be able to change the way things are run in your school, or even on your team but you can be instrumental in changing things in your classroom. Go for it!! You will find that tribe of teachers to collaborate with and empower each other. It just may not be exactly where you are expecting it.
ReplyDeleteCaryl, I think you stated today that you really didn't want to look at Twitter this week and didn't think you would use it, but I think you know now that Twitter is the best when it comes to having access to others that will help you discover new opportunities. Rachel's statement at the beginning of the week that Twitter changed her professional life resonates with me. I work in a physically isolated position. I have found so much support and so many new ideas by others on Twitter. I would have never had the guts to do/try some of the things I have done if I didn't see that it had worked for others and since I have no one nearby to bounce ideas off of, Twitter was a game changer for me, too. Like Lynn said, sometimes you find your Tribe where you least expect it!
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