Core Proposition #5: Teachers are members of learning communities. By: Marci Harvey, NBCT and Debra Coram Troxell, NBCT Summary: Accomplished teachers reach beyond the boundaries of their individual classrooms to engage wider communities of learning. They connect with local, state, national, and global groups in person or via technology to take advantage of a broad range of professional knowledge and expertise. Accomplished educators draw on those resources when instructing their students and participating in duties that contribute significantly to the quality of schools and student learning. Those duties address two areas of responsibility: collaboration with other professionals to improve the effectiveness of schools and partnership with families and other stakeholders to promote the education of children and young adults. (What teachers should know and be able to do. p. 35) Guidelines for Working Within a Productive Learning Community · Acknowledge adults’ ability to make decisions and mange their own learning. · Relate new knowledge to previous learning and teaching experience. · Make learning relevant to the teaching profession. · Provide opportunities to apply new knowledge immediately in the classroom. (Knowles) Where can teachers find opportunities to be involved as a Teacher-Leader? · Join the state National Education Association · Join a content area organization (NCCTM for math or NCAEE for K-5, for example) · Ask to serve on a School Improvement Team · Volunteer to share instructional resources · Informally facilitate data analysis with peers · Ask critical questions during PLTs · Mentor new teachers or teachers new to your subject/grade level · Present at local, state, or national conferences · Become a specialist in content or technology · Invite teachers to visit your classroom · Be a visionary and an advocate for change
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