Learning Conversations

In the midst of the provincial dialogue, supervision schedules, and numerous other distractions, it is easy to overlook some of the remarkable professionalism that continues to flourish.  Through a partnership between the Local Union and the District, SD #54 has been fortunate to bring in Faye Brownlie to work with teachers in what is,  "A Leadership Series: Current and Effective Teaching Strategies Across the Curriculum".

In the first session, Ms. Brownlie engaged 20 local teachers, including guests from Burns Lake, Moricetown and Terrace. It was fascinating to watch Ms. Brownlie integrate specific learning strategies across a very diverse group of educators, while adjusting for and respecting the various starting points of the individual educators on this journey.  However, regardless of starting point,  there are some key questions we ask ourselves as we use assessment to inform instruction.

• What can my students do?
• What is missing? (What do I wish they could do?)
• What do I need to teach?
• Is my teaching making a difference?

Across this group, across our District, and across the Province professional activities such as this do make a difference in teaching and learning. Ms. Brownlie referenced the McKinsey Report (2007) which states:

"The top-performing school systems recognise that the only way to improve outcomes is to improve instruction: learning occurs when students and teachers interact, and thus to improve learning implies improving the quality of  that interaction."

It is through the ongoing professionalism of our educators that we will continue to lead as a top-performing system.  Ms. Brownlie is back in Smithers on December 1st for an evening Pro-D session and will continue her work with this group of teacher leaders on December 2.