Just because we are educators doesn’t mean we should stop learning. If anything we should be learning even more too constantly improve our practice and support our students ever changing needs. Hence why good and helpful professional development is needed. I am currently at a two day conference for my content. On the down side there is a substitute in my classroom. On the up side, I am currently pushing my thinking, meeting educators from around the country, learning techniques I have never thought of, and reflecting on my practice. From here I will head back to DFW and implement strategies that I am learning, which if effective, will more than make up for the time I was out. We are in a profession that thrives on collaboration and one where there is still so much to learn. How are schools or teachers creating transformational change? What practices push student learning? What are people doing differently in their classroom that I can learn from?
I heard a presenter redesign the way we think about assessments. The purpose of an assessment is to demonstrate what each student knows. There are so many ways we could do that beyond pencil and paper. What about debate in class, a presentation, or a challenge students have to solve. Rethinking the idea that an assessment can be a task is not something we are talking about at my school or even my district, but it is something someone is doing, somewhere is this country and it is working. It makes complete sense to me. If we really are trying to prepare students to be ready for the work force, then they need to be able to do more tasks. What job asks you to demonstrate your skills by taking a formal assessment, none really. Professionals are evaluated based on how they completing the tasks of their job. Hey if the PPR was my evaluation that would be great, I passed with flying colors, but that’s not really evaluating my ability as a teacher. We evaluate what we actually do in our classroom.
My point though is, at conferences we learn ideas that push our own notions on teaching. We reflect on our practices and identify areas we want to grow. All of these are crucial for making gains with our students. In the day-to-day routines of our own school, we often do not have time to reflect and we honestly probably get caught up a bit of group think just trying to make it to break. The learning and support of our teachers needs to be 100% supported and encouraged. We want to teachers to stay and we want the best teachers in the classroom. Neither of that can happen if teachers are not reflecting and growing their skills. Plus I feel rejuvenated and excited by the work I am doing. I am reminded why I joined this profession and the impact I want to have. That can be hard to find five days before Thanksgiving break.
A quality conference is good and highly encourage everyone to find one this year to attend.
Related Articles:
Is PD worth it for DISD
An Enjoyable PD
My PD Reflections from Last Year's Conference
DISD Teacher PD Conference Reflection 1 - Was it worth it?
DISD Teacher PD Conference Reflection 2 - Economics and Education
DISD Teacher PD Conference Reflection 3 - Coaching
DISD Teacher PD Conference Reflection 4 - Taking it all in
I heard a presenter redesign the way we think about assessments. The purpose of an assessment is to demonstrate what each student knows. There are so many ways we could do that beyond pencil and paper. What about debate in class, a presentation, or a challenge students have to solve. Rethinking the idea that an assessment can be a task is not something we are talking about at my school or even my district, but it is something someone is doing, somewhere is this country and it is working. It makes complete sense to me. If we really are trying to prepare students to be ready for the work force, then they need to be able to do more tasks. What job asks you to demonstrate your skills by taking a formal assessment, none really. Professionals are evaluated based on how they completing the tasks of their job. Hey if the PPR was my evaluation that would be great, I passed with flying colors, but that’s not really evaluating my ability as a teacher. We evaluate what we actually do in our classroom.
My point though is, at conferences we learn ideas that push our own notions on teaching. We reflect on our practices and identify areas we want to grow. All of these are crucial for making gains with our students. In the day-to-day routines of our own school, we often do not have time to reflect and we honestly probably get caught up a bit of group think just trying to make it to break. The learning and support of our teachers needs to be 100% supported and encouraged. We want to teachers to stay and we want the best teachers in the classroom. Neither of that can happen if teachers are not reflecting and growing their skills. Plus I feel rejuvenated and excited by the work I am doing. I am reminded why I joined this profession and the impact I want to have. That can be hard to find five days before Thanksgiving break.
A quality conference is good and highly encourage everyone to find one this year to attend.
Related Articles:
Is PD worth it for DISD
An Enjoyable PD
My PD Reflections from Last Year's Conference
DISD Teacher PD Conference Reflection 1 - Was it worth it?
DISD Teacher PD Conference Reflection 2 - Economics and Education
DISD Teacher PD Conference Reflection 3 - Coaching
DISD Teacher PD Conference Reflection 4 - Taking it all in
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