Mrs. Schaefer spoke, as did Sean Covel. Sean is a native of the Black Hills (Edgemont, South Dakota) who has gone on to produce some pretty successful movies. Remember this one?
Mrs. Schaefer talked about teachers needing teachers. We need to be a community that supports and encourages each other. When we are stressed or experiencing self-doubt, we need each other. We need to hear from those in the trenches with us that it is going to be ok. When we are stumped on how to reach students, it is our colleagues that can offer us help and guidance. And as Mrs. Schaefer stated, when the fire alarm goes off while you are preparing to head to recess, it is your fellow teachers that help you get your students outside...without their shoes on.
Sean Covel addressed the crowd on a single word and the power it has, especially in our classrooms. When we get frustrated at a task and think "Can I get those students to do it?", we must add the word "HOW" to the beginning of the question. How can I get them to do it? What are the possibilities out there waiting for me to untap? We have to be willing to challenge ourselves and our peers in order to make great things happen. When we think about all the ways to do something, it gives up hope that it can be done.
The Observe Me project is a way for us to do these very things. We need to see other teachers in action. We need to hear from other teachers on how they find success. We need to hear feedback from our peers. Instead of thinking "Can I do it?" we need to start looking for "How can I do it?". We need to stretch...we need to help each other...we need to put ourselves in uncomfortable situations in order to improve.
Keep leaning on each other. Keep growing with each other. Keep encouraging each other.
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