What is the Story behind the Story?
When looking into what topic I was going to use as the focus of my professional learning, I started reflected on the past few years and all of the trials and tribulations my district has overcome. Although we have some of the best teachers out there to be able to tackle our problem of closing the gaps, it is hard to focus on what needs to be done without much direction. Sure we have our normal academic gaps that school districts normally see, but with everything our community has been through these past three years, it is no wonder why we are seeing a drastic rise in students not being able to perform normal computations in our classrooms.
I decided to do a PowerPoint presentation with a narrative. I chose this, because I felt that this was the best way to deliver my message. Please see the presentation below.
I had to spend some time organizing my ideas that I wanted to use and then create an outline of how I wanted the presentation to flow. I had to keep in mind B. Goodwin’s 5 key points that he made in his article “Does teacher collaboration promote teacher growth.” Where he addresses these key facts:
1. That principals need to get involved with their teacher’s professional learning.
2. Teachers need support all year round and not just for sending them to another professional development.
3. Teacher led professional development is more meaningful to the other teachers.
4. It allows the teachers time for networking and sharing of ideas. Nancy Duarte (2010) said it best, “You have the power to change the world. Ideas are powerless unless shared.”
5. Making sure that the professional development applies to the teachers involved classrooms.
Resources
Goodwin, B. (n.d.). Does Teacher Collaboration Promote Teacher Growth. https://www.dropbox.com/s/hml95bj705dvkzw/Does%20Teacher%20Collaboration%20Promote%20Teacher%20Growth.pdf?dl=0.
TEDxEast – Nancy Duarte uncovers common structure of greatest COMMUNICATORS 11/11/2010. YouTube. (2010, December 10). https://youtu.be/1nYFpuc2Umk.
My Journey with Digital Learning and Leading 