I
have always felt it was critical to consider what we believe about learning and teaching. It's important to take some time to think about our beliefs, even write them down. Then, every decision we make rests on what we believe is right. Our beliefs clearly define who we are as
teachers and learners. Most importantly, they guide our interactions with the children.
There
was a time when I would have measured the success of a teacher by how closely
his/her teaching practices, instructional routines and classroom environment
were most like my own. But I have learned some things along the way.
First,
I learned that there are many ways to teach effectively, wisely and well.
Second,
there are many ways to set up a classroom for authentic learning and thoughtful
conversations.
Third,
how we teach and what we teach aren't nearly as important as our relationships
with the children in our classrooms and our schools.
Fourth,
our relationships with colleagues should never be defined by the differences in
our styles but by the similarities in our beliefs about children and the
experiences we share.
No
longer does anyone stand alone in education. Our work is too complex and
demanding to be doing it alone. No one has all the answers. I
believe strongly in collective wisdom and a collective energy that gets things done.
I am participating in the March Slice of Life Challenge.
Each day we post our thoughts.
Thank you, Two Writing Teachers!
Day 14 - Collective Wisdom - Collective Energy
There are so many truths in this post. Tammy and I see brilliance every single day --and clearly have been shown there are many ways to be brilliant. Thank you for sharing this --important message for all leaders and teachers.
ReplyDeleteClare
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ReplyDeleteI love your message about collective wisdom and energy, Karen. Rather brilliant and much needed as the roles of educators grow more intricate and multi-faceted. Our political leaders need to hear your message in a BIG way!
ReplyDeleteThis is so wise: "Fourth, our relationships with colleagues should never be defined by the differences in our styles but by the similarities in our beliefs about children and the experiences we share." Writing beliefs down and holding on to them is so important in education - so many things fluctuate and become popular that it is easy to become discouraged and lost. Great post!
ReplyDeleteI love the phrase "collective wisdom."
ReplyDeleteGreat post - so much wisdom for us to consider and hang on to.
ReplyDeleteI love all that you've written, and believe you are so right. Looking at people and their relationship with children as teachers is number one for me. Thanks, Karen.
ReplyDeleteKaren - this is brilliant! I love the idea of "collective wisdom" and all that entails. That child piece must come first, and will probably be part of the beliefs we hold to be true.
ReplyDeleteI will be sharing this post with many. Thanks for your words - they are so important.
I am thoroughly enjoying and learning from every one of your posts this month. I love the idea of "collective wisdom". We need to collaborate and share to grow. Thanks for your wise words.
ReplyDeleteWhat an important post, Karen! I'll be sharing this with my coaching colleagues for sure.
ReplyDeleteKaren,
ReplyDeleteThere are so many things to love about this post. I think it's a good reminder of the many reasons we need each other.
Cathy
Thanks for this insightful piece, Karen. These are very important things to remember.
ReplyDeleteTalkworthy point today, Karen!
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely agree! "I believe strongly in collective wisdom and a collective energy that gets things done." Thanks for this important reminder.
ReplyDelete