The K-16 CFG met this evening at the Doris Miller Center. Present were Lidia, Michaelann, Jonett, Tim, Mary, Donna, and Marcela. Suzanne S. from HA+C was a guest during the first part of the meeting.
We started with a few announcements of upcoming dates--I wanted to make sure that the HA+C summer events got on everybody's calendar.
Next, we did Connections for ten minutes. Usually, my favorite part of Connections is just having some quiet time to mull things over or absorb what others are saying. Tonight, I was distracted by the noise that my children were making until their dad could pick them up. It reminded me how important space and atmosphere are to conducting successful meetings. At least I'm sure that I'll have a reliable babysitter for the May meeting because my mother-in-law will be visiting that week!
After Connections concluded, Tim and Suzanne asked us to act as a focus group for their work concerning teacher leadership. We engaged in a silent chalk talk for about 20 minutes and then discussed some of the issues that surfaced. I neglected to write down the focusing questions. Perhaps somebody could add them in the comments section of this blog entry.
Some of the questions that emerged were: What is a leader? What is the purpose of training teacher leaders? How are leaders identified? How will schools benefit? etc. etc. I was struck by the richness of our silent conversation, and Tim expressed gratitude that we were willing to delve right into identifying challenges. I think that we are all interested in seeing where this project may lead.
Finally, we filled our plates with sandwiches and fruit and sat down to help Mary with her dilemma. Without getting into specifics, her problem involved issues of group ownership and changes in personnel and leadership. It felt so satisfying to do authentic CFG work.
Reflections are in the extended entry.
REFLECTIONS
"I'm glad we had a chance to meet today. I hope Mary came away with some ideas that will guide her in her dilemma.
Did my thinking change tonight?
The Focus Group opened up some interesting themes/ideas that we need to spend more time on in order for the concept of teacher leadership to be developed at a deeper level.
Thank you for having tonight's CFG mtg!!!"
"It has been really interesting to take part in conversations which have dealt with leadership. As I think about what that means to me, I'm reminded that most of us have different needs from a leader and therefore define that role differently.
I'm not sure if my thinking has changed as much as understanding that there needs to be a clarifying discussion of the "purpose" for the leader and more with that purpose in mind. Consultancy was refreshing and I wish Mary the best. It is not easy even less so at this time of the year.
As usual, thank you."
"I'm reminded once again of the power of ChalkTalk--we fleshed out so much more info than if we'd just have chatted for 20 minutes.
Sure missed some of our group members, but it seems to be getting harder and harder to find a time for all to meet.
Meeting location was great!"
"Did my thinking change tonight?
I am a lot more cynical about the work going on in Houston and about the power of teachers as change agents and where are we going?
Teacher as Leader discussion was very interesting and had lots of meat.
The consultancy was perfect--it is a dilemma we have to deal with on a regular basis. A great reality check."
"Thank you so much for the input for my dilemma. I actually received some crucial info to plan our agenda on Saturday.
Yes, my thinking has changed."
"Thanks to the group for the in depth feedback/ideas on teacher leadership, We needed clarity beyond. . . "I like it."
The consultancy really helped ground us and keep us connected to our roots. (Thanks Jonett for reminding us!)"
Comments (2)
I love the quick posting of everyone's thoughts. It makes my own reflection of the meeting more insightful and deep. I sometimes wonder if I am just tired (this time of the year) and that is the reason I am less than jazzed about change or is it that I have a different perspective because of the group dynamics. I was reflecting on the make-up of the group there last night I think only 2 people are still "teaching" and I might be the only one that is a full time teacher. I am wondering if this gives a different perspective on the work - with no value implication - just different.
Posted by Michaelann | April 13, 2005 7:34 AM
Posted on April 13, 2005 07:34
Michaelann's comment brings up another issue related to the idea of teacher leadership--so many teachers who are skilled leaders leave classroom teaching. What systems can districts develop that would keep these highly qualified teachers working directly with students? The company that my husband works for has a "technical track" and a "management track" so that highly skilled people have opportunities for professional advancement without having to go into management. Teachers should have more opportunities for advancement (and the pay and prestige that goes along with it) without having to go into administration.
Posted by Donna | April 13, 2005 9:44 AM
Posted on April 13, 2005 09:44