Being a literacy coach this year has given me time to really dig into our big three: Reader’s Workshop, Writer’s Workshop, and Word Study. However, the most important work has been making time to meet with groups of teachers. This experience has been unlike any I’ve had previously as an educator. Having time to talk and reflect on my practice with other professionals has been rewarding, motivating and (dare I say it…) fun.
Not that finding the time has been easy. I’m fortunate to have an administrator (and curriculum coordinators) who see the value in this teacher “intentional talk”.
Which is why I’ve proposed the following with the hope that we can build on this idea.
Collegial Conversations:
What is it?
A time for teachers to come together to talk about a topic for 30 minutes.
Goal of these conversations?
To generate discussion/healthy debate, to answer questions using the expertise we have on staff, to explore a new idea or strategy to use in our classrooms, to celebrate the important and fulfilling work we are doing to impact the lives of our youngest ACS students.
Who is invited?
Everyone! Each week an invitation will be sent out with the topic and time of the meeting included.
How do we make this valuable?
1. Participation is vital! If possible we would like to have at least 1 teacher present from each grade level. (The meetings times will fluctuate each week.) Having TAs cover classes so teachers can attend is important and supported.
2. Similarly, we need teachers to attend with good intentions and an open mind. These conversations are meant to be a safe place to talk and explore and learn with supportive colleagues.
3. Initially topics will be gathered from the staff; then as meetings progress, new topics and ideas will come up. Keeping the discussions timely and grounded in what we need will help sustain interest and make our work valuable.
**Did you know??? Regie Routman- literacy expert will not visit a school to offer PD unless a system like this is in place?
