Beginning a new school year inevitably creates the homo sapiens in us, to forcefully adapt to change. Maybe we have to (or get to) change classrooms. Possibly, we are moving to a new grade level. Maybe we have gone from teacher to administrator or administrator to para? No matter what capacity you serve in education, the beginning of a new school year requires you to devote time to think about change. Our Third Grade Team looks very different this year. We have hired on Marcy Klein; straight out the gate from The University of Northern Iowa. She brings a contagious excitement and a fresh set of ideas that has rubbed off on the rest of the team. We have also hired Kirsten Burrett; who has one year of teaching under her belt and has become an asset to the team as well. Both of these teachers were lucky enough to student teach in third grade at Carrie Lee. The familiarity of the environment, the TLC Program, the community and knowing “Veteran” teachers, helps everyone to adapt to the new changes. We devote ourselves, in education, to students. However, with a mindfulness change, we can also make sure to be mindful of our co-workers. We think we can do this on our own (mostly), but sometimes it takes someone to help us build on what we know. Our team has decided to learn and support through book studies. The first book we chose, is “The Power of a Positive Team” by Jon Gordon. This summer, we gathered to discuss the book a few times and vet the finer points of Gordon’s work to improve how all of us can be more effective for our kiddos in the classroom. Throughout the first chapters, we highlighted significant takeaways: culture beats strategy, the commitment to the process, and having a team mission. We learned to make time to create and revisit our vision and mission throughout the school year. As single entities, we are changing every day. Our socialization process extends, and we become different. That’s difficult enough, let alone making those changes and then learning to adapt together. “Be the Teacher You Want to Teach With.” This seemed to sum up our deep discussions on how our team needs to be effective before we can individually go into our own classrooms and be effective for students. Bringing out the inner champion in each other makes us better every single day. Celebrating improvements. Assuring each other when we stumble and believing in each other are what bring purpose to our mission. As you move forward with your new (or consistent) team, we wish you well! Our team has high hopes that this district shows up big-time for not only students but for each other. Let us all guide each other into a place where everyone succeeds!
9 Comments
Denise
9/3/2019 07:02:42 am
What a testament to the devoted teachers you all are in Decorah. It is also a great reminder of what positive examples we need to set for students and our peers when working together. ~ Thanks for sharing!
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Sarah Tobiason
9/3/2019 07:22:28 am
This just tickles my heart to no end! When I heard that this team was meeting even before school started and was also do a book study, it really emphasized a joy and love for learning! That will inevitably spill over into our students as they look up to their teachers as role models! Champions!
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Sarah Zbornik
9/3/2019 01:01:14 pm
Thanks for the inspiration!
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Steve Peterson
9/3/2019 01:56:11 pm
Great work! How powerful it is to have colleagues who support and inspire!
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Mark Lane
9/3/2019 02:38:09 pm
It is exciting to be able to say that I have already seen evidence of your team's stated intentions in your daily actions. You operate as a positive and collaborative team. Thanks for your hard work!
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Dana Bockman
9/3/2019 05:09:07 pm
Collaboration is such an integral part of all that we do and a key to the success of our work. I have no doubt your team will work together to grow with each other, to support one another, to share ideas, to always look for the best way, and bring a positive energy to the third grade floor. What a lucky bunch of third grade students! Thanks for sharing!
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Sarah
9/5/2019 06:41:03 pm
What an exciting time for your team! The power of a positive team is priceless! Thanks for sharing & inspiring others!
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Shanna P. Dibble
9/5/2019 06:41:37 pm
This is FANTASTIC - awesome job collaborating with each other and inspiring us all. I love the quote you shared - “Be the Teacher You Want to Teach With.” It makes me think about also being the teacher we wish we would have had as a student and the teacher we would want our own child to have. ALL of OUR students deserve that.
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Lizabeth Fox
9/7/2019 04:56:18 am
“Be the Teacher You Want to Teach With.” What a powerful statement! I also love "Bringing out the inner champion in each other makes us better every single day." Thanks for the inspiration!
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