After reading through the National Educational Technology Standards (NETS•T)
and Performance Indicators for Teachers two of the areas jumped out as relative strengths. There were two as areas where I feel I am OK, and one where I feel that I fall a little short of where I probably should be.
The area where I felt as though I was not very strong, confident, or proficient was the area of professional growth and leadership. I generally keep to myself and do my own thing staying out of the “workroom politic” as much as possible. A switch to a new staff and campus this year has exacerbated that shortcoming. It is really quite difficult to demonstrate anything or participate in decision making or community building if this is your mode of operation. The first step that I am going to take is to involve myself more in the staff dynamic at my school site. There is an opening on the leadership team for my grade level that I will volunteer to fill. I have been helping some of the staff to fill out some district mandated surveys as the site coordinator, but I have done that in their classrooms or the computer lab. We have a day coming up when we will be required to fill them out for this quarter. I will arrange for that to take place in my room this time. The teachers who come will see the technology that I am using… perhaps leading to conversation about the things that I am doing with my students. Because time a huge factor, I think that I will probably leave it at that. I don’t do a real good job in any of the other areas listed under professional growth and leadership, but they will have to wait for another time.
I don’t look at the other areas listed and feel as though I can’t do them or don’t do them well, but I’m not sure that there is currently a perception that there is much room in the “standards-based” world of education to facilitate and inspire student learning and creativity. My perspective is that much of what I do is dictated by administration, and I have little room to be creative myself. That said, I will explore, create, and implement one activity with a focus of engaging students in exploration of real-world issues using digital tools and resources.
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Doug,
ReplyDeleteI also feel one area I need to strengthen my proficiency and confidence in would be in the area of professional growth and leadership. I thought that your first step in participating more in your school community is a great first step in your goal for professional growth.
You mentioned also you will take action in achieving your goal by volunteering for a team leader position. What responsibilities will this include? In my school our team leader works closely with the principals and is responsible for scheduling and informing the sixth grade team of any activities or issues within the school while also acting as an advocate in communicating the sixth grade team concerns. Would this be similar to your role?
I also think another way to enrich professional growth and leadership would be through colleages and professional workshops. Have you thought about including these options in achieving your goal as well. How do you intend to monitor and evaluate the overall success of your actions?
Good luck.
Thanks,
Lynda
Doug,
ReplyDeleteI also feel I could improve in the area of professional development. I think it is a great idea to share with your colleagues what you are doing in the classroom. Too often when someone discovers something that works well, they want to keep it a secret. I am fortunate to work with a supportive group of teachers who are willing to share and plan together. Having fellow teachers come to your room and possibly share ideas and information sounds like a win-win situation for all who may be involved. One way to monitor or evaluate you actions may be to have participants fill out an evaluation form, if time is limited, maybe they could send feedback via email. I hope things go well!
Leilani
Doug,
ReplyDeleteI think you have a good first step in mind to promote more interaction with your colleagues. I understand that. I work in a large building with 120+ teachers. There is more peace of mind in not getting involved in all the speculation and gossip. I have learned which teachers are focused on doing innovative things with their students and I actively seek their collaboration while avoiding the politics and gossips. Inviting teachers to your work area is a good idea.
I think with the right tools available we can get creative with the standards. The trick will be to have content goals and fit the technology to them. The teachers in our video resources this week pointed out that we shouldn't try to fit our content to technology but the technology to content to increase its level of engagement.
Will the position you are thinking of seeking add many responsibilities? I know time is a factor for us all and I find it daunting to be trying to do new things with little time left for extra planning!
Lynda, Molly, and Leilani,
ReplyDeleteLynda, Your description of the grade level leadership slot at your school is very much the same as the one at mine. In fact, I don't know if I could have described the responsibilities at my school any better.
Thanks for all your comments too. I don't know that I will extend myself any further this year, Leilani. As Molly says, the responsibilities that we all have already take a good deal of time. I am already struggling to maintain a balance between work, school, family, and well, sleeping.