Teachers have always worked in collaborative groups. Sometimes the makeup of these groups is self-selected and at other times it is not. Disclaimer #1: I always learn something when I work with other teachers. Disclaimer #2: I don't always need to work with other teachers. I have the right to time and space to reflect on what is happening in the classroom. I have the right to make (informed) decisions about teaching and learning because, next to my students' parents, I am the only one that knows them well enough to be able to do that. And, the information I use to do this comes primarily from observations, conversations, and the work that children produce on a day-to-day basis . I have the right to have a say in my profesional learning . But, the times they are a'changing. It is no secret that teachers are no longer trusted to do our work. Instead, someone decided that a carrot here and there, but mostly sticks, will coerce us into doing our job...
This blog is a place to ruminate on the problems of teaching. If I am thinking thoughtfully, my posts will hopefully raise more questions than answers. By problematizing teaching we reflect on those questions that are constantly behind, in front, and at center of everything we do in the classroom. Feel free to comment. I'd love to hear what other teachers are thinking about on these and other issues. Cheers! Elisa