Courage to Teach: Renew, sustain, and inspire.

Renew, sustain, and inspire. What do you think of when you read those words? I think of the work I am doing with Courage to Teach. I am part of a cadre of the fourth CTT program in South Dakota.  We gather for a series of six retreats over eighteen months. The retreats are led by skilled facilitators. Our amazing leaders are Educational Technology Specialists with TIE (Technology and Innovation in Education).  Check out http://www.tie.net to learn more about TIE and their numerous professional development projects and opportunities. 

Our retreats have taken place at the Outlaw Ranch in Custer, SD

The mission of Courage to Teach is to help foster personal and professional renewal through retreats that offer time and space to reflect on our life and work. We use poetry, stories, solitude, reflection, and deep listening.  Visit http://www.couragerenewal.org for podcasts, a blog, and information about retreats and programs. While you are there, don’t forget to check out the books by Parker Palmer located under the Resources section.

The hope that Spring brings

If you ever have the opportunity to attend Courage to Teach retreats, DO IT! It promises to be one of the most valuable experiences you will ever be involved in, personally and professionally.

I’m curious… have you read any of Parker Palmer’s work? Has anyone been a part of Courage to Teach?

2011 Milken Educator Forum: It's All About the People

I feel like I finally landed back home after being whisked away to a magical land for the weekend. I was honored to attend the 2011 Milken Educator Forum in California as a veteran Milken educator.

We stayed in the luxurious Loews Santa Monica Beach Hotel overlooking the Pacific Ocean. The view was breathtaking. I could handle waking up every morning to that! It was invigorating. And the food-  MUY DELICIOSO!  

Despite all of this, nothing compares to the best part of the entire conference- the people. I was surrounded by remarkable individuals: genuine people who truly care about kids, people who take risks and go above and beyond every day, committed people who make a difference, people who want to learn and grow, people who live the meaning of collaboration, people who inspire and encourage, people who prove that there is a great deal that is right about education…

It was wonderful seeing the 2010 Milken educators receive their awards. And yes, there were many touching moments that brought tears to my eyes. The presenters were incredible “ambassadors for excellence”.  The energy and enthusiasm was electric. Two outstanding speakers included football legend and former presidential bodyguard Rosey Grier and Principal Baruti Kafele. To think of the impact that these educators are making around the world leaves me speechless.  

To learn more about the Milken Family Foundation and their numerous initiatives including the Milken Educator Awards, visit http://www.mff.org/.  

The Cat in the Hat Has A Lot To Say About That!

Just today as I was walking down the hall to get my students from lunch, I heard another student shout “Hi. You were the Cat in the Hat”. He waved to me with a great big grin on my face. I said hello back and couldn’t help but smile as I recalled our Read Across America celebration in March.

I dressed up like the Cat in the Hat. My student intern dressed up as Thing 1 and her friend, a student intern in another classroom, dressed up as Thing 2. They thought I was kidding when I first suggested the idea! Wrong! Let me tell you… those two have commitment. They spent the night before going from store to store looking for the proper attire.

Back to Dr. Seuss…It was a great time. The third grade, fourth grade, and support teachers did an excellent job planning, organizing, and carrying out the event. I heard numerous positives.

What really got me thinking were the comments like “We should be professionals. The dress up days are for the kids.” Initially, I was a hurt by this comment. After some reflection, I decided I should welcome disagreeing viewpoints. Everyone has his or her own opinion and that’s ok. When others disagree with me, my actions, or my beliefs, it is not a personal attack. Disagreeing viewpoints push me to reflect on why I believe what I do and why I do what I do. Are my beliefs truly in line with my actions? Do I have good reason for it? Is it what is best for kids?

I admit I take part in our dress up days at school. I don a hat on Hat Day. I have worn my pajamas on PJ Day. I find that my students respond favorably. They want to know about me as a person. They want to know about my life. It builds our relationship. It’s part of creating that positive classroom environment. It gives us shared writing experiences. I don’t agree with the traditional “Don’t smile until Christmas.” adage. Do you?

What are ways (big and small) that you develop strong relationships with your students?