The process of professional learning continues. A small group of teachers and myself recently completed a book study on Teach Like a Pirate by Dave Burgess. This proved to be an amazing experience. I'd even venture to say others in the group found it as rewarding as I did! You can find more about our Teach Like a Pirate book study at this recap website.
I was a little leery about beginning this type of book club as I wasn't sure what the response would be; however, I really wanted to read the book and knew I'd need the accountability and would like to discuss it over with other educators. I am so glad I took the step and brought the group together! We spent about an hour a week recapping sections of the book and it was great hearing the insight from others. I was very surprised to find we all thought a lot alike!
One of the greatest things that came out of this club was when a new teacher on staff shared about a lesson she taught and how excited she was; but, later realized the students didn't get the full extent of the content. We went into a whole problem solving/brain storming session on how to take this amazing lesson to the next level and extend the learning. It was a great session of teachers across various grade levels all working together and we all left a little more energized for the group talk! I loved the ability to open up and share some of our learning moments and the openness to hear from others.
We are now beginning to start another book club when we return from Spring Break. We will be tackling the book Kids Deserve It! by Todd Nesloney & Adam Welcome. I'm very excited as I believe our small group of 6 may grow to small group of 10! This is awesome as we begin to see a movement growing. All we can hope for is to build a campus climate of teachers not afraid to show their weaknesses and willing to learn and strengthen their craft with support from those who understand and know what we are dealing with on from day to day!
