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Educational Advocacy
The professional development meeting on Educational Advocacy by Patrick Kelly was both enlightening and empowering. It reinforced the importance of being a proactive voice for students, especially those who are marginalized or underserved. I gained valuable insights into the policies and practices that can affect educational equity, and how we, as educators, have a responsibility to advocate for systemic change. The discussions on effective advocacy strategies, from building community partnerships to navigating administrative channels, were particularly eye-opening. It was a reminder that our role extends beyond the classroom and that advocating for the needs of our students can create lasting impact. Overall, it was a motivating session that reaffirmed my commitment to not just teaching, but to actively working towards a more equitable educational system.
Creative Thinking Secrets for Teachers
The professional development on "Creative Thinking for New Teachers" was an inspiring reminder of the importance of fostering innovation and adaptability in the classroom. One of the key takeaways was the idea of shifting from merely surviving as a teacher to truly thriving in the profession. By embracing creative thinking, we can solve problems in more innovative, original, and diverse ways, moving beyond the traditional methods that may no longer be effective. The session emphasized the need to treat all students as if they are gifted, encouraging us to build their creative confidence and inspire them to take risks, knowing that failure is part of the learning process. The message that "if you're bored, they are bored" really resonated with me—it reinforced the idea that our own engagement and enthusiasm directly impact student motivation. Creative communication was also highlighted as a crucial skill, encouraging teachers to express ideas in new, engaging ways that can captivate and challenge students. Overall, the PD session was a powerful reminder of the value of creativity in teaching, and it inspired me to rethink my approach to classroom dynamics, problem-solving, and student engagement.
Sitting in on Tessa Byer’s session on Emotional Intelligence (EI) gave me valuable insight into the power of understanding and managing emotions. EI, as Byer explained, is about recognizing our feelings and those of others to respond thoughtfully and strengthen relationships. Unlike IQ, EI is a skill that can be improved at any time. One key strategy shared was the importance of taking a break when emotions run high, allowing space to reflect rather than react impulsively. I also found the distinction between emotions and feelings helpful—emotions are instinctual, while feelings reflect how we interpret them. By asking questions like, What does this feeling tell me really matters? we can better navigate challenging emotional moments.
The session also emphasized focusing on what we can control—our words, actions, and decisions—rather than how others respond. This mindset shift, along with turning off the “struggle switch” by acknowledging and accepting emotions, can help us and those around us move forward more constructively. Byer’s advice to assume there’s always more to someone’s story stood out as a powerful reminder to approach others with empathy and patience. Overall, this session reinforced that building emotional intelligence is an ongoing process that can strengthen both self-awareness and relationships.
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