"Whenever you find you are on the side of the majority, it is time to reform." Mark Twain
There is no doubt that our educational system is a topic of many a conversation and the need to make significant changes. We can't forget that education should focus on each and every student. The research supports that the key factor in student learning is the classroom teacher. Today's teachers are often drowning in mounds of paperwork directly dealing with accountability. Data compiled on each child is important, however let's not lose sight of maintaining a balance.
What about the new teachers and ones that are struggling? How do we find avenues to support them and use the talent in our school directly for this purpose? This brings us back to the value of professional development. It should not be confined to several days in a school calendar. It is essential for it to happen every day. You see it in collaborative teams, the support of coaches in the classroom, constructive feedback from supervisors to help teachers improve their practice, and providing opportunities to have access to the latest research and best practices.
Meetings are often filled with the nuts and bolts of the school, teams often have issues mandated to cover, teachers need to input data, and we do want time in the classroom to teach. This is where reform can play a part in prioritizing and looking to see what can we change.
This is a huge task but it is a place to start.
1 comment:
New teachers definitely need seasoned mentors. A structured mentor program is important for it to be successful. I fear that without a structure, the program will go by the wayside. I also believe that giving the mentor a stipend is a definite motivator. A structure should include regularly scheduled weekly meetings. Both the mentor and mentee should observe each other as well as other colleagues. Meeting with a mentor does not exclude collaborative team meetings. Yes, it sounds like a lot of meetings and work, but it is worth the time and effort. Who benefits from all the hard work and extra time? Yes, the students and it is all about student learning.
I agree that faculty meetings often cover the nuts and bolts. Much of that can be covered in emails saving everyone’s valuable time. Why not use all faculty meetings for faculty learning, discussions and collaborative endeavors about the latest research and best practices. Planning curriculum, units, lessons, student issues etc. can be saved for weekly team meetings with the level principal.
Professional development is vital to teacher life-long learning. Now that GA has suspended PLU due to the economy, it is even more critical for the administration to provide the professional discussions for the teachers to stay current.
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