You are a great teacher!  You are dedicated, devoted and working harder than you ever have before.  It's been quite a year.  Also, many of you are new to IB here at Caldwell Heights Elementary, so you've not yet had the opportunity to explore IB fully. 

In very reflective conversations with some of you, you've asked really good questions.  The main question I feel like many of you have is, "What does IB look like in the classroom?  What should I be saying and doing?"  

First of all, there isn't an answer that will 100% fit 100% of you 100% of the time.   I know that's not helpful, but here are some beginning things that come to mind as I ponder how to help you all feel successful!

1. It's a mindset shift.  Try to flip that switch of thinking..."I don't know IB"  to "I wonder if this is IB?" or "Wow, I can do it, even if it's small."

2. Try to actively use IB terminology and vocabulary.  Let your class know they attend an IB school!  Say things like, "An IB learner does_______."   Consciously build IB terms into your Spark Questions, SEL time, provocations/engagements, Learning Targets, etc.   I can help you with this.

3. When in doubt, go back to the Learner Profile Attributes.  It's a very safe and easy place to start.  Try to bring them into your conversations and interactions with students every single day.

4.  Other places to bring IB into the classroom is with our Key Concepts, Approaches to Learning, letting students have agency in their learning, and celebrating any action they are inspired to take. 

5. Set a small goal. Try to make an intentional and purposeful effort to do one IB element a week.  (Example:  praise a student for being a risk taker,  create a wonder wall in your classroom, model thinking out loud for your student, etc.)

6. Reach out to me in any way.  I am happy to work with you individually or with your team to help you reflect and highlight the ways you ARE an IB teacher and learner!  

Remember...all of this is a process and we grow and evolve daily!  There really isn't ever a finish line when it comes to expanding our minds and learning new things.  I'm thrilled to be on this journey with you!