This quote is very challenging and thought-provoking as I have read it several times. Teachers need to be researchers. They need to know what works and what research clearly states. To use programs and practices that are clearly against research is detrimental to students and shows poorly in our professional career. When we know the research, we need to be advocates for what it says and how to use it correctly in the classroom. By joining committees or task-forces, we can help our advocacy for best-teaching practices.
Most importantly, schools have to work together for the best of their students. It doesn’t matter if each individual teacher is a fantastic teacher, if a school community cannot work cohesively as a TEAM, test-results will reflect that. Sometimes this gets into sticky situations about reimbursement for time outside of regular hours or what our union might believe. However, as a teacher, we’ve taken a vow and dedicated our lives to a career where we put children first. Until difficult conversations are held and professional learning communities are part of our WEEKLY schedules, we should not expect any improvement. When teachers have the belief that things can change, things will, and not until that change in belief occurs. That is where the heart of teaching matters.
(My 2nd grade son who struggles to be motivated to write.)
Some questions to ponder about this chapter:
• In what ways do I advocate for what I know is research-based, best practices?
• Do I participate in a weekly professional learning community with my coworkers?
• How can I advocate to parents and community members about best-teaching practices for writing?
What a powerful quote you chose! My favorite phrase is "independent spirit". The teachers I admire most are independent spirits. They make professional decisions about what is best for their students even if this goes against what is expected. This also means they must be brave!
ReplyDeleteThanks for beginning your post with Routman's great quote. I have a feeling that this is just the kind of educator you are - your students and own children are very lucky to have you for a teacher and mother!
ReplyDeleteI feel that I am much more conscientious of what I teach after completing 27 hours from ESU. You're right - teachers need to be certain they are using instructional techniques/strategies that have been proven to be best practice. We really need to think about what we're teaching - gone are the days where we just pick up the teacher's manual and use that as our primary teaching guide.
We are fortunate in my district to have weekly math/reading collaboration amongst our first grade teachers and math & reading coaches. Although I find this beneficial, I believe that our students and teachers would benefit greatly from having whole faculty collaboration more frequently.