Narrative

     On November 19th, 2020, I had the privilege of attending Boosting Engagement, Rigor, and Connection, a webinar conducted by the Teaching Channel. The presenters were Doug Lemov, author of Teach Like a Champion, Wendy Amato, and Hilary Lewis. The webinar consisted of three modules focused on remote learning. The content comprising of the three modules was starting class, conducting semi-synchronous tasks, and conducting asynchronous assessments. In the first model, a brief video of a teacher starting a class online was shown. The presenters noted many things about the way she started class including her clear expectations, her orientation screen for the students, and her question for the students, which she called a “wait question”. In the second module, a brief video was shown of a teacher conducting a semi-synchronous task with his students. He read aloud to the students, then asked them to read silently up to a specific page, checking in with them from time to time; then he led them in a discussion about the text. While this was synchronous learning, it involved a task which the students did individually with some accountability provided by the teacher. The third module also consisted of a brief video in which an assessment is given. Afterwards, the presenter led us through a discussion about lagging assessments, real-time assessments, and implicit assessments, which lends itself particularly to technology.

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Reflection

     I learned a tremendous amount from this webinar in the area of instructional strategies to use as well as ways to make connections with students in a very isolating time. One of the strategies I saw being used was labeled “soft accountability”. In this strategy, students kept their screens on as they did an asynchronous task. The teacher encouraged students as they read, saying, “I see Adriel reading to page 199” and “I see Pedro reading.” This was a caring way to connect as well as keep students on task.

     This professional development helped me to gain online teaching strategies, which will greatly boost my ability to empower learners. I chose this professional development precisely for this reason. The link below leads to the introduction material for the webinar. https://www.teachingchannel.com/tlac

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     In addition, I recently attended two professional developments focused on equity in our schools. I believe leadership is doing what is best to serve my students; this means choosing to consistently improve. These workshops will further equip me to empower my diverse learners and grow in my teaching strategies and skills.

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Equity and Anti-Racism Are More than Just Buzzwords

https://vimeo.com/469886866/d043730f01

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Doing the Right Work Right: A Conversation About Effective, Systemic Interventions

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eJVkbmMzMQg&feature=youtu.be