The Best PD

     Sit Back and Watch

    In the last few weeks, I have had the opportunity to bring my students to a hands-on science program called Starbase in Rutland, VT. My colleague has been bringing her students there for years, but this year I got to go with my class as well. The kids are really enjoying it, but I may be enjoying it just that much more than them. 

    One reason that I am interested in this program is because it is integrating a lot of math into each lesson. Math skills that are part of the state standards are being used in real world activities. This makes me feel good because they are able to apply what they have learned. As it turns out, I have been teaching them something important in school! (Being a little tongue and cheek there.)

    After internally feeling a bit successful about how well I have done my math teaching job this year, I began to reflect on my teaching practices. Elementary teachers are generally expected to teach all subjects. I don't know about you, but there are a few subjects that I just haven't mastered teaching yet. At least I don't feel like I have done so effectively.  Science is one of them. Clearly when one subject and topic is the only thing you are teaching at a given time, things are a lot easier. (Maybe just less chaotic.) Your materials are all handy. You aren't switching gears and expecting your students to do the same all day long. After watching how the teachers managed the time and kept the students engaged for hours at a time it hit me: I am enjoying watching another teacher teach! 

    Often times, professional development involves being trained by someone up front, with a little time to put learning into plans. However, what we don't do enough of is to observe teachers teaching for any length of time. I want to spend some time in other classrooms so I can learn new management techniques and see how various educational tools are being used. It's one thing to talk about it, but it's another to see others teaching.

    I know that it may be stressful for some to have another adult, let alone teacher in their classroom. But, if we can get past the fear of being judged and open our doors to colleagues, I think we can get a lot more out of our professional development. (I know- this is not a new idea, but it has fallen by the wayside for all sorts of reasons.) Hmmmm, I will work on this and see if anyone else feels the same way.