As I traveled to NCCAT on Monday, this was the cliche’ phrase that ran through my mind. In the literal sense, I was ready for my 4 hour trip to end at the NCCAT campus in Cullowhee. However, the meaning surpassed the literal and put me into reflection mode. I began to analyze my own teaching practice over my 6 year career. Was I “there” yet as it relates to reaching and teaching my learners in a manner that maximizes their abilities? Was I doing all that I could do to incorporate 21st century skills into my daily practice?
My experiences within the first 24 hours of NCCAT quickly brought me to the realization that the response was an emphatic NO! While I wasn’t lost in the woods on the issues, I had yet to arrive in the promise land as it relates to (1) maximizing abilities and (2) meeting the 21st century needs of my students. My teacher toolbox quickly began to overflow with great strategies and tools; most of which can easily be implemented into my own classroom. Many caused me to have the proverbial “a-ha” moment, but the experience that left the biggest impression for me was the session on “flipping” the classroom. For years, I have been intrigued by the process and the numerous advantages to the system. However, not knowing anyone that had successfully flipped was discouraging. The NCCAT seminar allowed me to, not only be addressed by a former Kenan who’d had years of success with the model, but it also put me in contact with other fellows within my cohort that had also seen success with the model (Compound Effect!) The session was just what I needed to get beyond my own hesitation and to be dedicated to at least flipping a portion of my classroom this year!
As I settle back into my home routine, I have finally been able to debrief and began to sift through my toolbox; dividing my resources into what works for me and what may work for others in my building. I realize through the process that, for committed educators, we are constantly in different stages of the “Are-We-There-Yet” cycle; constantly mastering professional skills and moving on to the next area that needs to be strengthen.
– Where are you on the continuum?
– How did NCCAT affect your position on the continuum?
Hey Kimberly!
I don’t think we are every there yet. It seems like the line is constantly moving as the continuum grows bigger and that’s part of the excitement of teaching for me. We always say we are preparing students for jobs that don’t exist yet…well that means we have to constantly change and evolve. I’m with you that everything we learned this week moves us farther on that continuum…can’t wait to see what the future holds!
Hi, Kimberly.
I don’t think any teacher who is worth their place in a classroom is ever “there.” I think teachers who reach their kids work as hard as their kids. If it isn’t learning more about subject material, it’s learning more about delivery and pedagogy. But you know that…or you wouldn’t have applied for a Kenan, yes?
Your photo is great. I immediately knew you were thinking about flipping the classroom. I’ve already been talking with my teaching partner about how to add review lectures on-line for physical science. I’d really like to do it for AP Environmental. We already do as many labs and activities as we can, but it would be great to have even more time for such things.
I totally agree that we are never quite “there.” But I think that’s what sets MASTERFUL EDUCATORS apart from teachers. To me, a MASTERFUL EDUCATOR is one that is constantly striving to improve their delivery and pedagogy, while the teacher is just doing enough to get a paycheck. I constantly strive to be that EDUCATOR, and because of that, I am always somewhere on the continuum; always meeting goals and then creating new ones. More importantly, this is what I try to cultivate within my learners; the drive for continual improvement in whatever they do.
I’m glad to know someone else will be in novice waters with me this year as it relates to flipping. Keep in contact so that we can share our experiences throughout the year. Thanks!
I totally agree. Masterful Educators are always in the continuum; reaching goals and then creating new ones. Thanks for your post!
You asked some great questions and really got a dialogue going. Glad that your time at NCCAT inspired such discussion.
Amneris