Union Elementary Teachers Look Inward to Improve Classroom Instruction

February 4, 2019

On February 4, 2019, teachers at Union Elementary School, observed other teachers within the building in an effort to learn best practice from one another. It may be hard to believe but teachers rarely have the time to observe other teachers within the building. With increased demand on achievement, high stakes testing, and planning engaging lessons, the busy classroom teacher has little time to learn from each other. However, teachers at Union Elementary School know the value in growing as educators. They prioritize their own growth so they can serve their students better.

Over the past two years, Union Elementary School has been making growth in achievement levels as well as working to revamp its positive behavior initiatives. Like any school, the teachers at Union Elementary work hard and have limited time to spend on professional development. To help in this area, the leadership team at Union Elementary School, including Principal, Jacob Wilson and Assistant Principal, Annette Smith, planned an initiative where teachers visit other teachers within the school.

“One of the most important elements of improving a school is improving the instruction. There is perhaps no better professional development for teachers than to see other great teachers do what they do best, teach!” (Jacob Wilson, Principal)

According to Mr. Wilson, the teachers at Union Elementary School are top notch. But he notes that those teachers often don’t get to see each other perform in the classroom. He and his team sought to change this by leading an initiative to get teachers in other teacher’s classrooms. “This took a lot of people at the school working together and covering for each other but that is what a professional community of teachers does!” (Jacob Wilson, Principal). The staff agree that this practice is truly impactful on their instruction and hope this will not be the last time they’re able to do something like this.