Article Link: http://exchangepress.com/article/what-could-she-be-thinking/5017422/
In working with directors to design more effective staff development strategies, my goal is to promote a way of thinking about this work rather than to promote particular techniques. I want to strengthen the ability of teachers to examine what they are seeing. And I want to fortify their confidence in working with a repertoire of thoughtful actions and approaches to planning. In my opinion, thoughtful teachers are solidly grounded in a philosophy, are self-aware, and work with clear values. They are culturally sensitive, have a working knowledge of child development, and good observation and communication skills. They are curious and approach relationships with attention, respect, and a desire to learn. So, how do we nurture these qualities in teachers?In an essay on teacher education, Bill Ayers (2004) suggests that “preparing teachers of judgment and thought, of care and compassion,” requires we reconstruct our teacher education curriculum to include the following components:
Autobiography �" being aware of oneself as the instrument of one’s teaching
Inquiry �" being curious and pursuing the “why”
Reflection �" thinking rigorously in order to act
Critique �" challenging what is unfair and unacceptable
Community �" combining insights and energies with others
How can we practically incorporate these ideas into our staff ...