PD- What lessons I've learned so far #SAVMP

1.  What are some of the ways that you create meaningful staff professional development?
2.  What have you found to be the most beneficial PD experiences that lead to better learning in the classroom?

In my former life as a teacher, I was always willing to bring my understanding of a concept to others in the form of PD.  I often stepped up and shared my own learning.  I kept in mind where each of the teachers were in their understanding of the concept.  I knew where most had background knowledge.  As a new principal, with a new staff, I did not have the same information.  So when I had to do a two day inservice on common core math the second week of my new position, I started with a guess as to the background knowledge of my staff.

They were so willing, and I suppose curious.  At first, I thought maybe they had a plan, but when I asked they were happy to have me lead.  Two things I knew: The math scores were low and common core was here.  I had three goals: 1.  model what I hoped to see in classrooms, use of tech and active engagement,  2.  provide some team building and get to know you activities and 3. review common core math.  I wanted to have each grade build a curriculum map from the common core state standards and align it to their curriculum.

I did some research and found a pd video from ascd on common core math (via twitter)
www.ascd.org/professional-development/webinars/nanci-smith-webinar.aspx 

I used pinterest for finding some great ideas on team building and ice breakers
Follow Tami White's board team builders on Pinterest.

I did accomplish all three goals, but I had have a feeling that the content may have been more advanced than what was needed.  They worked well together, but they were awfully quiet.  And I ended up with most of the maps in my office.

So one way to create meaningful staff development is to look at the data, identify the needs, find creative and useful tools to share and provide time to collaborate.  But there is more to getting it into the classroom, and even more so that it promotes better learning.

I have a saying:  "Pay the most attention to what you want the most".  It has helped me to focus on the positive in the past, but Better said than done as a new administrator.  I believe that I need to revisit it (PD) in my Monday notes/email, posts, during staff meetings, in walkthroughs and through feedback.  What has happened to me is that I want LOTS of things the most.  With new state mandates, new teacher evaluation, common core state standards and smarter balanced tests...parent concerns, pbis, rti, bullying... all of those and more are knocking at the door for attention.

I work in a very small school district, so I am the sped director, curriculum director, elementary principal, etc.  I do have a very supportive superintendent and we work well together.  Yet when I become stressed or uncertain, I fall back on old familiar habits.  Pencil and paper, powerpoint, email.  Many of the things I want to model and practice become distant and difficult or far and few between.  (twitter, blogging, haiku deck, instagram, google forms and scripts, even Facebook posts).  So I believe that is true for teachers as well.  I hope to find a way to reduce stress, to build a culture of curiosity, risk taking and reflection.  Professional development is part the equation, but focus, trust and time are necessary as well.

How do you keep the learning alive?

Why do I Lead? #SAVMP

I didn't know it at the time, but I began my journey to be a leader as a Head Start co-teacher.  I had gotten my elementary certificate at a time when positions were scarce.  Head Start was a great place to begin.  It gave me training and perspective on students and families living in poverty It also taught me the importance of honoring the contribution families make in the lives and education of their children.  The foundation that experience gave me is still part of my core beliefs.  Later, I received my Master's in Special Education and began public school teaching as an inclusion specialist.  Most of my career has been working with students with special needs, but I have always used my general education background as a filter.

A few years ago, I began to feel like I had something to say.  I was a teacher leader and very involved in committees at the school and district level.  I sometimes felt frustrated and it seemed my voice was not always heard or understood as a teacher.  A friend, in an admin program, told me that I needed to do it too.  At the time, I thought that she was crazy.  I was a teacher and loved my work, students and staff.  Yet, it was like she had planted a seed and it grew until that is what I had to do.  What I found out is that I had vision.  I could see what would work for the whole and I wanted the opportunity to help it happen.  I have been inspired by the courage of my students, their families and my staff.  Really, it was the kids, their faith, our failures and successes, that made me realize I wanted to lead and make a positive effect on a school and community.

For the last two years, I put out many applications and had some great interviews.  Each one taught me something about myself or what I wanted in a school.  There were disappointments, yet I truly believed that I would find a perfect match and I persevered.  I was looking for a fit that would have the potential to make each of us better.  I am thankful and honored to have found it.  This will be my first year as a lead learner. And what is best?  They are as excited about it as I am!

Why do I lead?  To make a difference in the lives of the people I touch.  To bring joy and hope and fun to learning.  To see what some might say is impossible become possible.  To work together to do the right work and build a shared dream of success.  To build a community of learners and help those that might feel different to belong.  To make lives better through learning.

Finally, I am so happy to be part of #SAVMP.  Here in twitterverse, I have found colleagues that have similar beliefs, who feel free to say what they think and have discourse.  I am so thankful to have found you all at just the right time. I would also like to give a huge Thank You to @gcouros for leading #SAVMP and having the vision and courage to lead with heart!