Bright Spots: Empowering Educators as Learners

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BRIGHT SPOTS

Your weekly source of learner-centered inspiration

Dear Educator,

I often ask myself: Am I creating systems (or policies, or meetings) for others to implement my ideas or am I empowering others to design, create and invent to best meet our desired objective or goal? Throughout my various roles in education (and as a parent), I have often gotten better results and more ownership when I do the latter. I am constantly reminded that when people have clear goals, resources, support and agency to achieve the goals, they do.

This week, I am inspired by Laura Kile, an educational consultant and Google educator who aspires to empower educators to empower their students.

With Gratitude,
Katie

I'd love to hear from you! Reply to this email to share your Bright Spot this week!

BRIGHT SPOT OF THE WEEK

Taking the Time to WIN

When we work together, we can superpower each other and accomplish more as a result. However, there are times when we have different goals and needs. I loved this balance that Laura shared on Twitter about how her team of instructional coaches came together to collaborate and reflect, while also ensuring that each individual had time devoted to get what they needed.

Laura used one of my favorite strategies, WIN or “What I Need” with instructional coaches and invited them to consider applying an idea, writing an actionable goal, connecting with a colleague, or exploring by learning more. I thought this was the perfect way to implement this strategy! As coaches experience WIN time, they can model and share it with teachers, who then create these opportunities for their students. When we empower educators to take ownership of their goals and needs, they often create those same experiences for the learners they serve and we all WIN.

I love this example Laura shared and how her ideas inspire people like Kellie and myself, and now hopefully many of you! Keep sharing you Bright Spots so we can all learn and improve together.

Interested in discussing how you might encourage educators in your district to take ownership of their goals? Let's connect!

Get in touch

RESOURCE ROUNDUP

Below are some resources to help educators initiate a shift toward personalized learning.

1. WIN time for learners. The WIN time strategy for giving educators what they need also serves as a great strategy for students. Implement WIN time in the classroom with this template.

2. Project Zero's Thinking Routine Toolbox. This toolbox highlights thinking routines developed across a number of research projects at Project Zero. Discover a variety of thinking routines now.

3. Learning is a process, not an event. Learn how we collaborate to design professional learning experiences, tailored to your goals that engage educators in the process in my blog post.