Recently two other colleagues and myself had the opportunity to be bold and share our stories at our district’s back to school kick off. We weren’t sure how it would be received – but it turned out to be just what we needed. Then we were asked to present at a school board meeting. Again we were not certain how it would be received, but it was exactly what they needed to hear. That said, here is my story…
I’m not sure how you felt at the end of last year, but I was exhausted and looking for direction. I was mentally drained as I met with teachers discussing their formal and summative evaluations. We looked at student learning objectives and targeted growth goals. It was frustrating having conversations with teachers who brought it, every day. We were tired from analyzing data and trying to discern what it actually meant. Did our FAY students make their targeted growth? Did this data truly measure teachers’ effort and their impact on students and learning?
In June I attended the AZ NBCT Network Convening and worked along side other colleagues who had also temporarily lost their way. We networked, shared our concerns and realized we faced the same challenges. We re-ignited each other. I tuned in and began to take note of AZ teacher leaders who blogged. I listened. I engaged in conversations. I reached out to other like-minded teacher leaders.
I started thinking about the current state of Arizona, realizing that if we don’t stand up and take back our profession, who will? We need to have teachers tell our stories, not politicians, not legislators. So my call to action for you – Take back our profession! Stand up and share your story, share our story.
Commit to reflecting on your practice through the lens of the National Board Professional Teaching Standards, which were created by teachers for teachers. It represents our profession’s mark of accomplished teaching. This process is about your teaching and students’ learning. Who are your students? What do you know about them? How do they learn? What do you do to help them find success? How do you make learning accessible to them? Don’t your kids deserve the best teacher? Don’t our kids deserve the best teachers?
National Board certification creates opportunities. A few weeks ago week myself, and four other colleagues met with other teachers from around the United States and the Department of Education sharing our story. Creating solutions. Working along side Secretary Duncan!
This past summer Ron Thorpe, president of NB passed away. Two years ago I sat in a room of teacher leaders where he set forth the challenge saying, “We need more NBCT’s in leadership roles and leading schools.” That day changed my professional career. That day I accepted his challenge.
Who has the courage to make this the year to push your practice, be vulnerable, be bold, and learn along side your students?
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