In my last post, I shared that I was steeping upon the idea of ways to grow a community of practice among my colleagues. I have been reading and researching about ways to grow a community that grows professional capital through social interactions. A community that grows together by collective learning by noticing and naming, trying a new teaching method collaboratively and independently, and then incorporating that new teaching method into individual classrooms.
I believe I have found a way to grow such a community. Diane Sweeney, the author of Student-Centered Coaching, shares that lab site classrooms create a framework for teachers to get into each other’s classrooms and learn alongside one another in a highly facilitated manner. This job-embedded professional development structure revolves around a common focus and invites colleagues to notice, name, and extend understanding toward successful implementation of a related pedagogical approach. A lab site follows a typical structure:
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summarized from Diane Sweeny, Student-Centered Coaching: A Guide for K-8 Coaches and Principals
A lab site classroom lifts the level of learning across a school building and creates a new professional development opportunity that challenges traditional workshops. Most importantly, lab site classrooms ignite a community of practice.
I’m ready to ignite such a community among my colleagues. Lab sites are the pathway to building our community of practice at Stony Creek. My next steps are to brainstorm and let my ideas steep.
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Looking at the archives of composite photos at Stony Creek, I found this gem. This would make a great presentation slide.
While I allow my new ideas to steep, grab another cup. And as always grow your ideas and share them below.
Until the next post,
Holly
