What elements of the “8 Things to Look For in Today’s Classrooms” exist in our professional learning at Young Junior High? What elements are lacking?

This is in response to a challenge from #IMMOOC in a book study / discussion / application of the new learning.  Follow it on Twitter!

So, at Young – we are working on all of this.  Professional Learning that has occurred includes suggestions, shout-outs for teachers who do these things, and official “training.”  Mostly it’s discussion – how can we integrate these things? We have opportunities for teachers to decide what learning they want (we have faculty meetings – formal learning opportunities – every month).   We engaged in a Twitter Chat last month – #YJHInnovator.  Now, not all teachers wanted to do twitter, so we had an optional meeting where we discussed the same information – how to be innovative – face-to-face.  We have to meet people where they are!

Why discussion?  I love to hear what the teachers at Young JH (@YoungJHAISD) have to say.  They are innovative educators who are willing to take risks so that students learn the content AND skills they need to be successful in and outside of class.  I am trying to give agency and voice to educators so that they know what it “feels like.”  I have to say that isn’t what I have always embraced.  Bless the teacher’s hearts who were with me when I first started as principal at Young five years ago!  FYI, I have apologized!

Sometimes we have to share the “why” of these items, and the “how.”  Most of us have a growth mindset, and we talk about what that is, what that looks like, and how that translates to teaching students.

Voice, Choice, Reflection, Innovation, Critical Thinkers, Problem-Solvers, Self-Assessment, and Connected Learning.  We have to start with offering these opportunities to teachers before we expect students to learn in this manner!