Stress.......

I always loved as a teacher how energized I was at the start of a new school year!  But then, that energy usually comes to an abrupt end as quarter 1 draws to a close.  My old principal was a firm believer in the Phases of first year teachers' attitude (shown below) but for all of teachers; not just newbies.  I really agree with him.  Many of my teachers are feeling so stressed and overwhelmed that they don't even really want my help with the tech right now.  Not all....but many.  It's like they see me coming and before I even cross the threshold of the door, they're explaining why they are too busy to be using the iPads.  I want to yell from the mountain tops, "I remember how you feel!  I'm with you!  Let me take some of the load off!"  Instead I retreat giving them their space, because I also remember  the feeling of just wanting to be left alone to do my job.  I wish teachers were given the freedom to do more of what's right for their class and less of what's directed to them by district mandates.  Here we are in October...the start of disillusionment.....it's going to be a long winter........

Feeling Productive

Over the past couple of weeks (minus a few days for horrible flooding here in South Carolina), I have been assisting teachers roll out their devices and meeting with them to discuss digital citizenship and standard operating procedures.  I have been so energized by the number of teachers who are enthusiastic and optimistic about how these devices will help them transform their teaching.  They are seeking advice and new ways to do old things.  They are eager to have students create with a purpose and are collaborating with teachers outside of their school.  

I have been seeking feedback, much like we get as teachers.  However, that feedback is not there.  I thought teaching was isolating, but this job can sometimes be isolating as well.  I was starting to wonder if my coaching was making a difference.  I have some teachers who are not as eager about using the devices or having my support.....I accept the challenge:)  As I began to beat myself up about this, I had a stream of teachers coming up with creative and innovative ways to use the tech with their students.  I realized that this was my feedback.  This was my high five.  Having a teacher share a fantastic idea that she came up with after a model lesson I did, seeing two of my teachers from different schools have their students collaborate via Kid Blog and working with a teacher who literally wants me in his room every week shows me that I am making an impact in these classrooms and these teachers are shifting their thinking about using tech as a tool to enhance learning.  

The shift may be slow, but it's coming.  I am encouraged by a quote I saw in the Mooc Ed I am participating in.  It said something along the lines of coaches don't need to have all the answers....if we did, we would be creating a sense of learned helplessness.  Instead we need to ask the right questions so that the teachers are the learners and we are the facilitators.  This is what we do with our students daily.  I'm encouraged and excited for what the coming weeks hold as teachers "dig in."