Collaborating with Colleagues

This is probably one of my favorite things as a teacher. Collaborating with others in the profession. I thrive off of learning from those in the profession. There are many negative connotations about PD in the teaching world, but personally, I feel that the BEST PD is the PD that is spent by simply talking with other educators about what works in their classroom, what they have implemented in their classroom, management strategies, the list goes on and on.

This year, I had the blessing to have PD that covered Blended Learning. I went into this PD thinking: I already know so much about Blended Learning, what more is there? This PD required a few days out of my classroom to visit with other teachers about Blended Learning strategies and techniques. I was so excited I could bust!

Then, because of COVID, this turned into a virtual PD opportunity. To say I was bummed is an understatement. While the content was great, and the interaction with the presenter was phenomenal, I missed the collaborating part.

THEN…. my colleagues were able to attend the face to face PD during second semester. Now, not only do I get to steal their ideas, but they are also bringing ideas that was discussed in THEIR PD session. I call that a win!

One thing that we have talked a lot about is incorporating technology into the classroom in an engaging way. We all know that technology isn’t as engaging as it use to be. We use our devices so much on a daily basis, it has become less engaging.

Did I mention that I work with some AMAZING INNOVATIVE people?! Simply installing an Echo Dot in the classroom has opened up a plethora of possibilities! Recording instructional videos to free up myself to work more one-one with struggling students-not to mention differentiation- has made time management easier. Sending video messages in lieu of emails to students helps to personalize these messages and build relationships with students. There are so many possibilities!

Coming up next, I will work with colleagues on the next post on things we have implemented within the classroom that others may find helpful. It is all about collaborating and stealing ideas from each other, right?