A new path leads to…
unxpected pleasant surprises…….
new insights,……
new colleagues…..
new resources…..
The experience from the Professional Institutes has provided great insights into the collaboration of individuals to make a contribution to education in a manner that affects change in our communities. It was a great feeling to be surrounded by teachers who are “on fire” to continue their learning and share their wealth with others. I immediately thought of my school and my place to share with those at my school who continue to learn and share with others. I left these instotutes feeling inspired and ready to conduct sessions to share with others.
The first institute was a beginning eye opener for me to gain knowledge about the vast amount of technology and web tools that are being used by teachers. Although I felt overwhelmed, I also felt motivated to try new things and share that information with others in my school. I felt very comfortable among teachers who were sharing and teaching others their tools and knowledge incorporated in their curriculum. I found myself taking notes of everything, and thinking of those iin my school who could benefit from various tips. My considerations were how I could present the information without overwheming my audience. My two viable options are 1.) to create a resource page on my school website for teachers, and 2.) offer Tech Tuesdays or Tech Thursdays in small 30-min.sessions. Another colleague even recommended that teachers could get CEUs for their certification during these sessions. My regret during the first institute was not being able to have access to the other sessions even though we have access to the notes. There were so many choices, and unfortunately, none of the sessions were repeated. The positive side is that we have contact information for all the presenters and their presentations and websites have been useful. This time away from our home enable time to get to know our Kenan Cohort Members and find commonalities to form the partnerships which we have created.
The second institute, although shorter in duration, was equally beneficial. I distinctly remember the outside activities for collecting data. The consideration of getting our students involved in the identification of plant and animals species with the apps held promise as a viable option for use at my school. We have a courtyard and surrounding grounds that would lend itself to this type of exploration and keep our students safe. The sessions on writing proposals and grant writing inspired me to immediately write a grant and submit it before the August 12th deadline. Other fellows were very forthcoming regarding their own successes and gave me hope to submit the first proposal and inspire a colleague to so do as well.
The third institute was very different from the first two. I learned quite a bit about my personality and how I interact with others from the Myers Briggs Inventory To learn that I was a J30 and the numbers of Js in our cohort was another ah ha moment. To state that this session was enlightening is an understatement. I am curious to see where my team members rank i relation to my own results. I can already estimate where one member is because we seem to keep each other in balance regarding one quality. I must say that I found the law-making sessions to be more than stimulating. It was as if I was looking at senators with fresh eyes. I found myself focusing on the content of their speech and also considering topics which they didn’t state. The NC SPIN debating show is one that I will continue to watch. I like hearing both sides of issues, and with additional research being able to make up my own mind about current issues that affect our country. I was not alone with other teachers who historically stayed out of politics, but that will need to change for us to effect change in our communities. I walked away from the sharing sessions of my colleagues, thinking, ” WOW”, we all had great projects. And I wanted to know about them all. I asked questions to be sure to get an understanding of their research and share it with my students, contact them later and motivate them to consider that research or related career. The component that is also worthy is the plans for my internship now, one year later and five years later. Writing a proposal for conferences was a great training session in and of itself, so that we can share our benefits from our fellowship and help others along the way.
Of the three institutes which one did you find the most valuable and why?
Each institute was valuable in its own right. The knowledge and tech tools are so valuable from the first institute. Having a fellow proof my lesson plans was valuable as well as the apps training from the second institute. The third institute was also so beneficial: learning about the research of my fellows,the law segments and the of the Briggs and Myers Inventory Assessments.This is information that has already affected my thought process as I teach and interact with others. I knew that this would be a life-changing experience, but I am growing in new and productive ways every day.
* How do the three institutes compare to other PD that you have had in the past?
Other NC PDs have had some of these types of components, but none has had all of them in this degree. My experiences in Alabama were more similar with the Auburn University Science in Motion Program, but this Kenan Fellow Program surpasses others. The combination of training, information, collegiality, resources, great staff and accessibility for assistance is AMAZING.