Working Smart

I would first like to thank the Language Arts, Science, and Math departments for letting me observe part of their norms, Essential Learnings, and SMART goal writing sessions today. What I saw in each of these instances were teachers asking important questions of their practice for the purpose of improving it. In the norms writing, I liked how we were thinking of ways to support each other in systematic ways. During the essential learnings conversations, I saw teachers identify foundational goals for their courses, and questioning them to ensure they are still what we want to focus our energy on. What I found most invigorating during the SMART goals convos were how we were challenging ourselves to think about what we do and why we do it in more meaningful ways. I heard the early descriptions of some lessons I can't wait to see and that I know will be engaging for students.

I wish you all could have seen the good work that occurred in all corners of the building today - you would be proud of your colleagues. It was quite amazing.

What I also liked seeing is teachers taking risks today. That is indicative of the fact that this is a safe place, allowing us to try new things even if they might not work out as we envisioned. I can't wait to see the successes in the weeks to come just as much as the times that don't go as planned as we work smarter to be the teachers and school WE want to be.