Submitted by Ben Johnson <author>, Natalia (not verified) on February 15, 2008 - 16:22.
Susan:
Excellent questions. If I had an absolute answer for you, I'd be able to solve world hunger and violence too! Obviously, if there were more teachers willing to be instructional leaders like yourself, then the problem would be solved. I believe the question that you are really asking is, "How can I serve as a catalyst for change in order to help the students get what they really need out of school?"
Actually, I am trying to answer that very question in my series of blogs, but to answer part of your question, I am a proponent of the "professional learning community concept" which essentially can set up an environment where it makes those kinds of isolationist attitudes and practices very hard to maintain. The only way to look at the problem and the solution is systemically. Apart from that, perhaps some sly cognitive coaching might help those teachers come to realize by themselves that there are better ways to do things.
Anyway, stay tuned for the next segment and that might answer more of your question and perhaps bring on more questions.
Etched in Stone
Submitted by Ben Johnson <author>, Natalia (not verified) on February 15, 2008 - 16:22.
Susan:
Excellent questions. If I had an absolute answer for you, I'd be able to solve world hunger and violence too! Obviously, if there were more teachers willing to be instructional leaders like yourself, then the problem would be solved. I believe the question that you are really asking is, "How can I serve as a catalyst for change in order to help the students get what they really need out of school?"
Actually, I am trying to answer that very question in my series of blogs, but to answer part of your question, I am a proponent of the "professional learning community concept" which essentially can set up an environment where it makes those kinds of isolationist attitudes and practices very hard to maintain. The only way to look at the problem and the solution is systemically. Apart from that, perhaps some sly cognitive coaching might help those teachers come to realize by themselves that there are better ways to do things.
Anyway, stay tuned for the next segment and that might answer more of your question and perhaps bring on more questions.
Hang in there!
Ben Johnson
Natalia, TX