A while back, Education Week asked educators on Twitter how schools can support good teaching.
Below we highlight a few of the answers, ranging from broad thoughts to specific ideas that worked for some schools:
(Note: PD = Professional Development)
“I need time to meet with my colleagues to get ideas, share practices, and get advice on how to deal with challenging students.” @dr_weston_PhD
“Good teaching includes balanced pedagogy and content, reflective practice and inquiry-based learning.” @MelindaGeorge2
“Early release one hour, one day a week. PLC time.” @HeatherAjuarez
“Move from days to hours in OH has allowed some districts to offer whole days every other month for PD.” @sbumiller
“Find time in young grades: make it a center, mini conf at the desk, talk & walk to the playground, lunch with teacher, etc.” @SDStephens05
“We got a grant and used funding to pay for subs for job embedded PD.” @DavWarren3
“We shorted the Monday schedule to allow 35 minutes of teacher PLC time each week.” @oblatesphereoid
“Feedback opportunities between students & teachers are vital. Building them in may not be easy, but I think it’s worth it.” @SDStephens05
“Lessons without reflection and feedback lack deep thinking.” @LSmusicDA
“If whole group non-differentiated instruction isn’t acceptable neither should same PD to all staff and all schools.” @DavWarren3
“Great schools embedded PD and it doesn’t feel like ‘one more thing’ and we identify our own goals.” @DavWarren3
“Providing teachers coaches to have rich conversations with colleagues about evidence of great instruction. Ps who build prof capital.” @rsquiercacsd
“Encourage risk-taking and innovation without fear of punishment; time for collaboration; valuing expertise of teachers.” @pjoshh
“Faithful adherence to a continuous success cycle: training, observing, coaching, goal-setting.” @jwalkup
“Excellent communication and follow-through by administration is big.” @mothy_richmond
“Grade level team meetings, subject level team meetings, admin that listens to concerns (even if they can’t all be solved!)” @noodlebrownie
“We collaborate grade level once a month in our district. We use Google Dr to compare data.” @PrimaryPp
“Witch hunts for ‘Bad Teachers’ are counterproductive.” @ItsScienceMagic
“Part of supporting teachers is providing them the freedom to create learning experiences. Not dictate how.” @stacyjosadnick
“Schools must have a climate where change and risk is accepted otherwise no growth will occur.” @DavWarren3
“The voice of the teacher is so powerful in the ever changing latest educational fad/trend/craze!” @LSmusicDA
“Self directed PD is fab. Peer directed PD can be great. But the PD reminiscent of those worksheets we no longer give students…” @SDStephens05
Agree? Disagree? What’s missing? Share your thoughts below.
