As the end of the year draws near (faster than I would wish, as it still feels like there is lots to be done), there is an inevitable sense of reflection on the past year. How it started with so much potential and how by this stage of the year it feels so full of unrealised potential.
However, as research shows (Day, 2009) teacher effectiveness over time depends on developing hopefulness and resilience. I believe the most effective way of encouraging what you want to see in others is to let them see it in you first. So my target in the next few days is to write the narrative of our school journey this year, positively framed.
I'll start with this email from my co-leader:
First of all, you are awesome at what you do. You have a deep passion for learning and you are a gifted educator (whether that is educating students, teachers, the Board or me). I have learned so much from you and know others have as well. I know you are a high achiever and tend to look at the big picture, but sometimes I think you miss the impact you make on this school on a daily basis. I think of Sadia, who is a brand new teacher you have spent a lot of time coaching. The effect you have made on her with training, curriculum development and mentoring will effect children for the next 25 years. The same goes for Jesse, Rex, Kara and many others. Each time we go in and see these teachers improve it is because of what you do. They in turn effect their students on a daily basis and will effect thousands of students in the future. When you add in the impact you have had on our students, the TAs and the parents you have educated the impact is massive. It is easy to get bogged down and discouraged (especially after meetings like yesterday) but I really hope you realize what you do is massive and influential and will have a lasting impact. I don't honestly know what will happen at Footprints in the future but I think their is a lot of potential and we have 350 reasons to believe we are making a difference every single day.
However, as research shows (Day, 2009) teacher effectiveness over time depends on developing hopefulness and resilience. I believe the most effective way of encouraging what you want to see in others is to let them see it in you first. So my target in the next few days is to write the narrative of our school journey this year, positively framed.
I'll start with this email from my co-leader:
First of all, you are awesome at what you do. You have a deep passion for learning and you are a gifted educator (whether that is educating students, teachers, the Board or me). I have learned so much from you and know others have as well. I know you are a high achiever and tend to look at the big picture, but sometimes I think you miss the impact you make on this school on a daily basis. I think of Sadia, who is a brand new teacher you have spent a lot of time coaching. The effect you have made on her with training, curriculum development and mentoring will effect children for the next 25 years. The same goes for Jesse, Rex, Kara and many others. Each time we go in and see these teachers improve it is because of what you do. They in turn effect their students on a daily basis and will effect thousands of students in the future. When you add in the impact you have had on our students, the TAs and the parents you have educated the impact is massive. It is easy to get bogged down and discouraged (especially after meetings like yesterday) but I really hope you realize what you do is massive and influential and will have a lasting impact. I don't honestly know what will happen at Footprints in the future but I think their is a lot of potential and we have 350 reasons to believe we are making a difference every single day.