Without a doubt, this was our best “first meeting” with new Key Leaders Network members ever, writes ABPC leader Cathy Gassenheimer. These educators were really open to our process and they engaged deeply throughout the day, with support from our more “veteran” participants. School and system leaders are hungry to talk about their challenges and dreams with colleagues who “really get it.”
Reading is really about accessing knowledge and expanding our understanding. Whether it’s to gather facts and information – or insights into the human condition and our relationship with the world – reading continues to be the most important skill of all. Cathy Gassenheimer shares some thoughts about why and how we can read more!
It’s back-to-school time! Educators at every level are contemplating the upcoming year and how they can best serve the children in their care. As we move forward through a strong school opening, Cathy Gassenheimer hopes powerful teamwork and “collective efficacy” will be on everyone’s mind.
Just like other professionals, instructional coaches benefit from supports specifically designed around their work, including a collegial learning community. Cathy Gassenheimer points to new research from the Dynamic Learning Project on the elements of effective coaching programs that result in transformational teaching.
Adding new regional networks and more educators to existing networks means the Alabama Best Practices Center must increase our supply of adult learning facilitators. This summer, ABPC paired with the University of Alabama RIC to host our first Facilitator Training Institute. Educators from across the state spent three days diving deep into the most effective methods for leading professional learning.
The Alabama Best Practices Center is growing! We’ve heard from many schools eager to engage their educators in interactive, relevant professional learning and networking. To meet the increasing demand we’re adding more regional networks, more participating districts, and training new facilitators. ABPC Executive Vice President Cathy Gassenheimer shares highlights.
This summer, ABPC Program Coordinator Emily Strickland has been asking teachers in our statewide educator networks how they’re spending their summer break. We have one more contributor! Renee Dickerson is a third grade teacher (the “Community 3 Lead Learner”) at Pike Road Elementary School. Among other learning activities this summer, she attended the always amazing ISTE Annual Conference.
Becoming more intentional about growing a team’s Emotional Intelligence supports us in the important work of teaching and learning, writes Dr. Beth Thompson, School Improvement Specialist for Blount County (AL) Schools. Thompson points readers to an insightful Edutopia article by Elena Aguilar and shares insights from her own experience as a coach and team leader.
This summer, ABPC Program Coordinator Emily Strickland asked teachers in our statewide networks to let us know how they’ll be spending summer break. Our final volunteer is Laura Buder, a world languages teacher at Vestavia Hills High School, who defines the goal of summer professional learning as doing enough prep to reduce your stress and increase your confidence in the year to come. Thanks to all our volunteers!
ABPC Program Coordinator Emily Strickland is asking educators how they’ll be spending their summer break. Sara Steindorff, a second grade teacher at Pike Road Elementary, plans to peruse her year-long “highs and lows” journal now that she has some time to reflect more deeply on what worked, what didn’t, and why. She also shares a tip for new teachers that can help relieve stress.