Learner-Centered Innovation: Week 2, Season 4 #IMMOOC
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| Image via DevOps |
Dr. Katie Martin expresses that, "teacher leaders can serve as linchpins that move systems and structures to a culture of learning and make a significant impact for those they serve."
The way that I try to create and improve my innovation ecosystem is to lead and participate in a bridging committee between the Middle School and High School World Languages Department. Yes, it is rewarding, but it might just be the most frustrating educational experience I have ever participated in.
Vertical and horizontal alignment buzzwords aside, it's been a rocky road from the beginning. I was so ill-prepared on how to lead it, this year we had no other alternative than to hit the reset button. Mission Impossible commences.
Slowly though, we are moving together and paving a path of least resistance.
One reason I am so obsessed with this PLCs is that I strongly believe in the concept of Teacher Leadership and Collective Teacher Efficacy as being the most effective denominator of student achievement.
For me, this is a non-negotiable and PLCs are exactly the strength-based teacher driven change that Dr. Martin mentioned in her book. This is my way of trying to improve my ecosystem. Despite major setbacks we experienced as a team, I will not give up. Our work is too important.
The question was posed of what does our ideal classroom look like?
There are so many factors and @RichViolanti's post nailed it when he writes these tenants:
In addition to his list, I would look for a teacher whose passion clearly shines. The classroom is nothing but a vessel if there is no one passionate about what they are learning and creating.
Below is also a picture of George Couros' 8 Things to Look for in Today's Classroom:
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