Bright Spots: Teachers Celebrating Teachers
Dear Educator,
How is it already October?! Please tell me I’m not the only one feeling this way. Along with the whirlwind transition to fall, I had the privilege of facilitating a Discovery Visit as part of our School Redesign cohort at Lincoln Elementary (Escondido USD). Spending the day with families, educators, core staff, and, best of all, students provided insights for the foundation of the design team’s community-driven plan.
Although there were many highlights of the day, my Bright Spot was the teachers getting to observe their colleagues and getting a broader perspective to better serve their students—more on that experience below.
With Gratitude,
BRIGHT SPOT OF THE WEEK
Teachers Celebrating Teachers at Lincoln Elementary
Visiting their colleagues was both eye-opening and affirming for Lincoln teachers. Going into these classroom visits, we were clear that the observations were not evaluative. Instead, they were focused on highlighting what was working well. The educators celebrated their colleagues and made connections to their own practices.
Teachers got to see new ideas for how to display students' work, different classroom arrangements, and how students interacted with other teachers. Stepping back from the day-to-day to celebrate helped them see what is working and what is possible. They left excited about next steps and committed to conducting more classroom visits throughout the year.
After the day, Jason Goff, Principal of Lincoln Elementary, shared this blog with his community with an invitation: “As we embark on this journey that is intended to celebrate innovation, build on our strengths, and generate greater opportunities for collaboration, I would personally like to ask YOU, “What’s your story?” Help us continue to create a successful, personalized learning experience for each individual within our Lincoln Community.”
Engaging with students, families, educators, and community members offers invaluable insights into what’s working and what’s possible. By truly listening to the voices of those we serve, we not only build trust and collaboration but also co-create learning environments that reflect the needs and aspirations of our communities. I’m confident that this collective input will inspire innovative solutions and empower schools to evolve, ensuring every learner thrives.
In what ways are learners (of all ages) thriving in your school or district? Share your story here.
NEW FROM LEARNER-CENTERED COLLABORATIVE
??? Episode 33: The Power of Intentionality in Learning Communities with Gregg Behr. "We do best when we make obvious, simple human connections. Our job is to notice and nurture the learning ecosystems already happening around us." Listen here.
?? Scaling Learner-Centered Innovation: It Takes a Community (of Practice). "Educators are at the heart of learner-centered change. However, transforming instructional practices can be daunting, especially in traditional school structures. Communities of Practice designed specifically for teachers offer a powerful way to build educator agency and capacity." Explore why Communities of Practice might be perfect for your school.
?? Homegrown Talent: The Strategic Importance of Internal Growth Pipelines in Education. "By creating clear, accessible pathways for professional growth, we enhance our educational offerings and build a legacy of committed, innovative leaders." Learn on to retain and grow talent in your district.
??? WEBINAR: Creating Coherence and Aligning Systems Towards a Learner-Centered Vision. "Learn how to create a cohesive roadmap that aligns your entire organization towards common goals. We'll explore techniques for identifying key priorities, setting actionable objectives, aligning success metrics, and fostering a shared vision." Register here.
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