Last Cluster

The last cluster of the year was bitter-sweet for me. I had only been back from maternity leave for 2 weeks. I felt like I was only saying hello! However, as I stopped to look back over the year, I realize how much I had grown personally. Furthermore, I am overwhelmed by the growth I have seen in many of the teachers I work with. It was a year well worth it!

Some ways that we could improve came out during discussion. These included the following:

• We need to reveal the parts of strategies slower, allowing teachers time to develop the skill and properly implement it in their classrooms. One person suggested that we even do OPTIC one letter at a time.

• Most teachers look forward to more development time for two reasons: 1. Having help to implement the new strategy. 2. Being able to collaborate with their colleagues. Collaboration with other people who teach the same subject was a key concern for most teachers.

• Celebrate more often.

• Let people know how much they are appreciated--both publicly and privately.

Some ways that I feel I could improve were the following:

• In my desire not to treat adults like kids (a common complaint I heard from my peers last year), I ignored good teaching in cluster. Much of what we presented was brand new information. It would have been good to slow down and use some strategies to help people remember.

• I need to improve on communication. period. Sharing information once in one way is not enough. I never did that with students; I shouldn't do it with adults.

• Remember: If I am tired and frustrated, so are the career teachers.

So begins my list for next year...Here's to growing and learning!