And That's a Wrap for 2018 Professional Development - Inspired By Research

Earlier this week, I had the pleasure of taking part of a Marginal Syllabus  online conversation where I was asked to review and think about Skerrett, Warrington, and Williamson's (2018) article, Generative Principles for Professional Learning for Equity-Oriented Teachers. In the article they named that teachers positive professional development experiences focused on aspects of curriculum where teachers wanted to grow, teachers were given opportunities to recognize research-based, sound practices in regard to their own practices, when teachers' expertise was validated, while sustained over time, from sustained collegial relationships, and a respect from district and administrative instructional practices that empowered them.

Although the article and research is new to me, I highlighted the findings in my work with middle school teachers at Columbus School where I've been working for the last two years. As I showed them the slide they were in 100% agreement of the findings, especially in recognition that the PD should come from where they are and want to grow.

As we recapped the last few years, we also named the professional development they wished they had for 2019 (in which I can begin to work).

It was a great way to finish my 2018 work with in-practice teachers, especially as they work tirelessly at their school to support the young people they serve.

The one thing that I can highlight about these particular teachers is their absolute joy and love for the young people they work with, even with the challenges that come to the classroom and the exhaustion that comes with the job. They want the best for their kids, and even when experiences are harried and troubling at times, they work collaboratively to provide the best pedagogy they can to make the experiences of their students worthwhile and purposeful.

I feel blessed to have grown so close to their teaching community and can't wait to work with them this Spring.

My graduate students are slowly turning in their 20+ page projects and I know I will be grading (until I am not).

Here's to all of us loving what we do.