Monday, March 10th, 2008
Class 9 & my reflection
This course is certainly proving to be helpful in my daily situation. I am frequently reminded that I am not alone with my concerns. The more we discuss, the more convinced I am that Barth and his theory of “Sharing Crafts Knowledge” to be one way to move toward a PLC. The whole idea of site based management and sharing the load can be linked to this idea. Not an easy task! The principal leader must develop a culture in which each team member feels that they are a valuable part of the team. Closing classroom doors and working in parallel can not foster health but seems easy to do. Sam’s closing mini PowerPoint was ideal as a starting point on knowing what to do in working toward a PLC. The provision of reasonable teaching assignments, good mentoring programs, an induction process to foster a warm welcome, a network of collegial practice, supportive evaluation, preparation of teachers for challenges and encouraging connection to the profession. I just skimmed the article by McCann, Johannessen and Ricca but will read it thoroughly when I have the time. I realize that the ppt was based on their writings.
Hiring new people is a very tricky business. The HR department in collaboration with the principal, in collaboration with the teachers may in fact help in making good placements in a school. Marge Scherer, in “Perspectives / The Right New Teachers “, questioned who makes the best teacher. As in our on-line discussion tonight, defining a good teacher is not an easy task. I believe the 12 MELS competencies are a great starting point as to qualities teachers need. These, I believe may help to weed out any student teachers who may not have what it takes to teach. As with Scherer, does a high IQ necessarily mean a good teacher? I have met many with high IQ’s but with a very low EQ and was not capable of sharing their knowledge. This reflection is bringing to mind the fact that sharing knowledge, whether student to student, adult to adult, or adult to student/student to adult is the key. Once the transversal communication starts learning will follow.
From this evenings discussions I know that my greatest weakness is with disciplinary action. For this reason I will look at Gil’s and Lisa’s power point again and in more depth. This course has given me the opportunity to learn more and wish to learn more about a topic of great importance to any principal.
