Schools are, first of all, environments to promote the learning of students. But in promoting student learning, teachers must work with their colleagues to share strategies, plan joint efforts, and plan for the success of individual students. Schools are, in other words, professional organizations for teachers, with their full potential realized only when teachers regard themselves as members of a professional community. This community is characterized by mutual support and respect, as well as by recognition of the responsibility of all teachers to be constantly seeking ways to improve their practice and to contribute to the life of the school. Inevitably, teachers’ duties extend beyond the doors of their classrooms and include activities related to the entire school or larger district, or both. These activities include such things as school and district curriculum committees or engagement with the parent-teacher organization. With experience, teachers assume leadership roles in these activities.
Danielson, C. 2013
This is a doumentation of an assignment that required me to engage in professional discussion about the proffession using twitter. An online conference was held through twitter in a chat titled #xplap. This conference was held right after Covid - 19 had become more prominent throughout the world and everything had gone digital. This gave an interesting perspective for teachers to come together and discuss strategies to teach online. I feel that this artifact is crucial because it provides evidence of educators coming together to discuss problems solving strategies during an unsure time. Observing educators work together in such a stressful time, solidified the belief that professionals need to be present in a community with each other. This community provides consistent opportunities for continued growth and perspective in a ever changing future.
Attached is a collaboration log that was created during my Literacy Practicum. It includes the date, whom I collaborated with and what we discussed. As the semester continued, I color coordinated names with thoughts that were shared in the class or in discussion. I believe that this helped me to clearly see who said what in a consistent and direct manner. This collaboration log was helpful in staying attune in discussions with other professionals and colleagues. It not only helped me to be present in my discussions during collaboration, but to take active notes that I can reflect back on. As I look back through this log now, I am able to remind myself of diverse strategies, books and commitments to myself on my journey as a professional.