A Teacher's Ruminations

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...

   I first heard about Lessons from the Geese in the mid-90's.   The person who first shared this with me turned out to have a completely different agenda in mind and is no longer someone with whom I am in contact.   However, a spiritual leader I hold in high regard recently reminded me that this inspiring set of lessons is just what we need right now.   This reminder made me realize that I still hold on to this vision in spite of popular beliefs to the contrary.  I hope you find it useful, too.