Staff Meeting

After reading each group’s notes on their “do’s” and “don'ts”, all of us pulled out the major points from the EdWeek article   I wish we would’ve had more time with the article - because discussing ideas allows us to extend our thinking.  But as we find our way in these next months we will return to many of these insights.     


Below are some thoughts expanding on some common threads we all pulled from the article:
  • Do play to your strengths.  I hope you know your strength/s; your strong characteristics and your best practices will enable you to be successful.
  • Do reach out - in other words, do not go it alone.  Share the work.  Share the wealth of what you know with each other.  Others may have tips/experience - ask...ask...ask. For help. 
  • Do streamline your work load.  Most of us are in the midst of transition - kids on screen and kids in person.  What you're doing right now with remote learning with the entire class, may continue to be very effective in this hybrid situation. In other words, bring your current remote program into the classroom with students sitting in front of you to start.  As you find your way, give yourself permission and time to “try different approaches on”.  Daily you will find your way.  Patience...patience...patience - above all with yourself.   

Finally, as Im writing this, I’m realizing that our focus here is on us.  And, well that it should be, our students are also so important.  Our well being is intertwined - tied to our students’s success.  Our kids need to know that they are succeeding, that they are moving forward and are learning. So broadcast their success. Do “shout outs” what you are doing that is working to engage your students and foster learning.  

Have a great 3-day weekend!

Marty

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