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| These are some of the professional resources we will be using as part of a PLC with a focus on supporting and teaching our youngest writers. And by the way, our first meeting ROCKED! |
My Dream School
I dream of working in a school that drips with collaboration and trust among teachers. A few weeks ago I wrote about our school’s ambitious plan for PLC’s. The plan was a collaborative effort based on the idea that professional learning communities and a school’s culture go hand-in-hand. I still believe that one person, one teacher, can make a difference not only to children but to a school and a district. As I read Stacey's post about Peter Johnston’s book, Choice Words, I thought not only about the language I use with children, but the language I use with my co-professionals and the language administrators use with teachers. The words we say and how we say them matter. Classroom teachers need to be empowered to lead the way. In my view, the best literacy coach is always trying to work his or her way out of the job; building agency, not creating dependency. This is scary for me to say because I love my job. But it isn’t about me. It is about kids and the teachers who teach them every day. In a school that drips with collaboration and trust, you don’t need a coach at all.
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I love the image "drips with collaboration and trust" creates! I totally agree, when you take a step back, those 2 components are essential to any successful school. I enjoyed reading Choice Words, and have also read a more "mathy" one:
ReplyDelete"Classroom Discussions: Using math talk to help students learn". These two books have pushed intentional language to the forefront with ALL of my interactions. Language is SOOO powerful!
I would love to be working with you--these books are great! And one person might make a difference because their enthusiasm spills over into others lives.
ReplyDeleteHi Diana,
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you enjoyed the post I wrote about Peter H. Johnston. Wouldn't it be great to work in a school where everyone spoke like that to children!??!
My best,
Stacey
@Stacey - sorry, I should have given you credit for your post. And yes, I agree with you. I can't help thinking about the impact of teacher language on student achievement.
ReplyDeleteSometimes I wonder what it would be like if we got all of the slicing teachers together and started a school...
ReplyDeleteI had the same thought as Katie as I read your post. It disappoints me to realize how many teachers don't read professional books to hone their skills in the classroom. Hopefully they will be curious to check out some of the resources I talk about.
ReplyDeleteI often say my goal is to work my way out of a job -- once again I'm reminded that we must be kindred spirits. You are an inspiration, not just in your school but in this online place too. Thanks for sharing. (And I'm humbled to see Day by Day alongside all those other books written by some of my teaching heroes!
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing,
Ruth
I also loved the image of "drips with collaboration"! Wish that could happen at all schools, but without losing the creativity that inspires individuals to excel in teaching.
ReplyDeleteI am listing you as a Versatile Blogger. Please check it out on my site http://mainelywrite.blogspot.com/2011/09/virtually-versatile.html and pass it along to your favorite bloggers!
I love what you are saying about collaboration and trust, the best way to get things accomplished with the learners, student and teacher. I wish too we could all get together for a grand conversation. Thanks for the philosophy that says I should work myself out of my job-right on! But I would miss it!
ReplyDeleteI also love your vision of a school "dripping" with collaboration! I savor the few minutes a week when my PLC gets together and always wish we had more time -- it always seems like we have to stop just as we've gotten into some good work! I bet in your dream school, there would be lots of time for us to really get into the good stuff!
ReplyDeleteI love your pile of books, those are great resources. Good luck, and keep spilling your enthusiasm, it is bound to drip on someone!
ReplyDeleteThe books are great I love the visual. It sounds like you have a group of energized people to collaborate with. Very exciting.
ReplyDeleteI love the spin that your post put on my attitude today. Instead of the complaints that have been playing over and over in my head since I got home today, I am thinking of what I want out of my work environment and what I can do to get it. Your coaching is far-reaching through the blogiverse!
ReplyDeleteDiana, I think everyone has said it all! You are a dream and inspiration to work with online -- I only WISH we could be working side by side, learning and stretching one another to make the difference in the classroom with our students. I've heard teachers mention using "choice words" at home with their children, but a great idea to use the language to encourage teachers! My dream school too . . .
ReplyDeleteYou are so succinct in this piece. It is true - all of us would really like to work ourselves out of our jobs - that would be a dandy world. And because our time is so precious and fleeting with each other, all the more reason for agency.
ReplyDeleteI think that even in a school that drips with collaboration it is still very important to have a coach. I have never worked with a coach but I imagine that even the most active and professional study driven teacher would appreciate someone who has little bit more time to observe, listen, talk, and suggest new approaches and resources. I think it is the ability to support teacher reflection that matters the most. It gives an extra energy boost. I hope that you will enjoy the discussions with your teachers. The book choice is promising.
ReplyDelete