Discussion
Writing
200 word min reply
As I reflect on the video presentation by elementary principal Kim Anderson, the concept that resonated with me was her statement “we can’t continue to do what we have always done”. She then goes on to discuss the idea of a “professional learning environment” in which teachers collaborate on the learning patterns of their students and share their failures and success. (Anderson, 2012). This coincides with chapter two of our text, which describes the “solidarity” of the one room schoolhouse were the teacher was the only one in charge of curriculum and how today’s schools still echo this scenario. The authors then go on to say that “there is abundant research linking higher levels of student achievement to educators that work in the collaborative culture of a learning environment.” (Glickman, Gordon, and Ross-Gordon, 2018).
As a supervisor, I could use this fact-based practice to ensure quality teaching in my own school. I have had both types of principals, those who barely stepped into my classroom, and those who I could count on to be consistent with observations. Although being observed can be stressful, I found greater comfort in knowing my boss trusted my skills and judgement, and she never “called me out” in front of students. Our debrief time always resulted in me feeling as if I were growing as an educator. This was because she had taken the time to build a relationship with me as her colleague, not her inferior.
No, we cannot continue to do what we have always done, we need to embrace change and employ accountability to all that are a part of our student’s education. We need teachers who believe in learning and collaboration and who will implement these things both in their classrooms and in the planning meeting.
References
Anderson, K. (2012). Message from a practicing elementary school principal (video file). Retrieved fromhttps://learn.liberty.edu/webapps/blackboard/content/listContent.jsp? course_id=_496526_1&content_id=_29882037_1
Glickman, C. D., Gordon, S. P., & Ross-Gordon, J. M. (2018). SuperVision and instructional leadership: A developmental approach (10th ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Education. ISBN: 9780134449890.
