Post Workshop Thinking

We were asked to think about the purpose of grading. One of the participants (whom I had never met before) "joked" his purpose was to make his students cry. I cringed and said something about being sure the teacher wasn't being serious. I'm pretty sure I used my "all business" teacher voice to say it.

The group quickly became quiet. I suspect the other two members of the group could read my face and could see the joke fell flat.

Groups were changed again and we circulated to different groups.

Days later, I am still thinking about that one interaction.

It occurs to me that I've been taking for granted the progress we have made in our building. Sometimes when you attend a workshop, you gain new ideas to use back in your practice. You might even struggle with how to fit new learning into existing learning.

Yet, some workshops don't necessarily bring new learning. Some workshops force you to reflect on your own practice in your own building. This recent interaction did that. This interaction reminded me how far our building has come with grading and how much teachers STILL work to make connections with students and help them be successful. It's the kind of work we keep on doing, day in and day out.

It's the kind of work that makes me thankful, all over again, and for so many reasons.

Image by Sean Junkins, Thoughts by Corinth Middle School Teachers

Comments

Growth Mindset

This will be a quick post likely full of errors and incomplete sentences. But, I feel a pressing need to get these thoughts to paper while: a) I have time and b) I can still remember the pieces I want to connect I was given a great opportunity to work with Dr. Shawn Hunziker today. We've conducted some online book studies around Mindset by Carol Dweck. This past winter, we were invited to give a keynote to CSE Chairpersons ( BIG TIME for us) and that led to today's session with CNYSEA's Summer Institute . On my way to the session, I was rehearsing notes (as I always do, see previous post ). At a stop sign near the venue where the conference was held, I pulled up in back of a car and noticed the neatest license plate: NEVRQT* I think that's how it was spelled. I tried to grab a picture but realized how creepy that would look and did not reshoot the blurry image I captured. When I arrived at the conference, I immediately told my partner, Sh...

Shelf Life

I was getting teased by a friend about how long I had been working in my current position. "How long have you been there?" "Four years as Principal but 10 years in the district." "You do realize you've overstayed your welcome." "What?!" "Your shelf life. Most administrators only have 5-7 years in each position. You've passed that." That conversation was intended to be light hearted but it had me thinking hours later. We know that one of the most critical educational influences in a child's performance is an awesome teacher. But, right after that, we usually hear about the need for solid leadership. At the NASSP Principals' Institute, the suggestion was shared that principals might even share the top spot with teachers in determining success. The argument was great principals hire great teachers...they need each other. I still believe teachers make the most direct difference but I am aware of how interdependent bo...

Gram

I am a member of the #compelledtribe. We are a blogging group that supports each other and writes in response to posted topics every so often. This week's topic is: Share a story about someone who loved you when you didn't expect it, earn it, or either deserve it. One of my biggest regrets in life is that my grandmother may not have fully known the impact she has had on me. I had the privilege of living next door to her for nearly 5 years. There were rituals she made me do with her. We watched ice skating every Sunday. We watched Wheel of Fortune most nights. On weekends, she sent me around town to different stores, by foot, with a shopping list for deals at each of them (based on the flyers). I had an odd fashion sense then and she was never afraid to tell me if I looked awful. My gram was the lady with the lavender sweater, lavender slacks, and lavender pumps. She matched. I sported a more Boy George inspired look that she never really understood or appreciated. G...

Reflections

Search This Blog