Week+3+Journal

Week 3: Professional Development Journal

This week was interesting and challenging. I think the teams are getting used to the program and are starting to adapt it to feet the needs of our students, school and community. It was this week that I began to realize how important it is to facilitate this process, rather than lead this process, as it literally "takes a village" to do what is required of this program.

Using a constructive model for coaching, this week I tried to empower teachers to make decisions for their own classes by providing guidance and suggestions, instead of trying to lead the process. I think some teachers were confused about my role in this process, as I am not the leader, but rather the facilitator in connecting teachers with the tips and strategies afforded to use through this program. One particular group member stood out this week, as they grappled with the idea of how to balance all that is required of them, as well as their personal life. I think we were finally able to understand each other by the end of the week, at which time we had a discussion at length about this teacher taking a leadership role in this program in order to make sure it is conducive to his classroom.

I had the opportunity to present to the staff at the high school prior to parent-teacher conferences. During and after my presentation, I received a great deal of feedback; both positive and negative. I got the impression that many teachers are discouraged, and yet curious at the same time, once they understood the premise of the 21st century learning initative. I believe a great deal of the trepidation is due to the change in instruction methodologies and the need to overhaul their instruction strategies.

This week we also had a parent open house, in which teachers had scheduled parental appointments to discuss students. It seemed to be a general consensus that the majority of parents who attend open houses are those whose students are doing very well. This is a significant problem at Fostoria, as well as my former district, Washington Local. Having that parental contact is imperative in creating a holistic approach to student learning. Without parental contact, students will likely not have the reinforcement to succeed at home. I am hoping that by the next time conferences come around, teachers and parents will be working closer together, so that there is more of a turn out for conferences.