Vision for the Columbus Middle School Cohort

I have a vision for…

• This group to become a supportive and collaborative group of individuals with a vision to better understand the middle school child and share the best practices to meet their need
• This group rippling the feathers that have layered so nicely for so long. We are change agents, first starting with my classroom. With knowledge I want to be a better teacher, mentor, and advocate.
• This group becoming a sharing, caring, supportive and reflective group of educators that aspire to empower oneself and each other. Individuals will come out of this affirmation of a job well done and a desire to do even more. No Blame, No Shame, No Guilt- openness and willingness to see own strengths and weaknesses as an educator.
• This group to find ways to encourage these teachers to practice courageous leadership. I have seen my peers “shut down” and “shut up”. They are wonderfully smart and passionate with much to offer. Authoritative administration is not collegial. These people need to have their voices heard and respected for their opinions.
• This group to find ways to improve student achievement, student behaviors, and a collaborative team effort among all staff members. Within the class and the discussion board, gather as much information to better serve middle school students. Finally, learn from one another’s experience so we all can do a better job in the educational environment.
• This group to develop into better educators. I hope that we can take something (tangible or philosophical) and apply it into our buildings and schools in which we will make the students, teachers, parents, etc. want and enjoy being there.
• This group to find ways to make the middle school experience more meaningful for my students and myself. This group to find people to network with who have an understanding of my challenges. To find strategies that allow me to leave school feeling less exhausted.
• These teachers to develop the knowledge of a true middle school. This middle school concept will meet the developmental needs of its students. To develop the knowledge to implement and advocate for middle school students using research, personal, and professional experience. I want to believe again.
• This group to become ambassadors for change. I graduated in 1992 from a public college I which I chose not to be specific in a particular area. This class is making me more aware of the adolescent. I see the student as more than someone I want to just sit down and listen. I realize and consider all the changes they are going through before I react harshly when they do not follow directions. I hope more teachers will find hope and share the good new we are learning in this class. I know that I will.
• I realize how important this work can be to middle schools. This group will share ideas and collaborate on how to implement the middle school philosophies in our class/school/district. We will be able to cause change in the thought of how individual principals feel that their middle schools should be. We will share how all middle schools should be based on the 14 precepts in This We Believe. Hopefully, our action research projects will form or add to the foundation for this change.