I find this blog topic interesting since for me the term “students” has different meanings. As a curriculum coach my “students” are usually teachers. This experience is going to be so valuable as I often am called on to present or share information with teachers regarding curriculum and all sorts of things in our district. I love working with teachers and just like my 10 years in the classroom I find great joy in being able to hone my skills to serve them better.
Through the process of creating a unit focusing on the three shifts of ELA I am finding that even as a veteran teacher who feels like they understand the new standards I am having to struggle through the process of truly applying them. This is giving me the opportunity to expand my tool belt, building a deeper understanding of the new standards, and get re-energized about teaching!
While I could present on the shifts and the new standards till the cows come home…those presentations take on a different feel when I’ve had that productive struggle of applying them in a real classroom situation.
One of my favorite things about this program is how it brings educators from different backgrounds, parts of the state and specialties together. The fact that your “students” are teachers means so much to a program like ours where we aim to build teachers leaders. You were already doing that. We are glad to hear we helped expand your tool belt.
Cheers!