While reflecting on our NTI meeting last night, 3 words came to mind…rigor, relevance, and relationships.
“Hmm”, I thought…It’s true that much of our conversation centered on rigorous and relevant teaching practices last evening (1-20-2010). I mentally reviewed some of the ideas teachers shared from recent training opportunities. I recounted the topic of relationships that wove itself through our discussion. I empathized about the difficulties and joys associated with student, parent, teacher and administrative relationships that we talked about last evening.
Then it slowly dawned on me. I realized that while all of these things were worthwhile and beneficial to everyone, the growing relationship between us (not only as teachers, but also as unique individuals) is also very important. The heart-felt, genuine connections we need to have with other teachers are rare, invaluable, and irreplaceable. Relationships that allow us to maintain rigorous and relevant conversations are indeed precious. (I think we seem to accomplish this through sharing journals and asking and answering questions that provide insight into our individual situations). Finally, I thought to myself “ I sincerely value these growing relationships that permit us to share fears, failures, and triumphs.” Then, just before I closed my notebook, I realized that NTI provides the support and encouragement often overlooked or unmet in the teaching world. You know, that’s the kind of stuff that’s worthwhile.
Well said Joyce. Our profession seems so..alone sometimes. Especially as a new teacher, you feel like an idiot that you don’t know the answers. That is what I love about NTI, not only do you recognize that you aren’t the only one-but everyone has a different set of strengths and experiences they bring to the table to share. I see our group growing into the beginnings of being confident enough to share.
NTI is a relationship that brings all disciplines of teachers together to form a common bond. We learn from each other. We share out concerns and joys. I love NTI for that reason and i enjoy our professinal learning community. Way to go Joyce you Ethno had been worderful!
I have also appreciated the group we have and the relationships we are forming. I am most thankful for the atmosphere of our class. I feel like I am coming to my support group as opposed to a class:O) Thank you all for that!
I totally agree. I feel that it is really beneficial for teachers to come together to just “talk” about things. Sometimes it can be very hard for me to discuss or collaborate with other teachers because I am a specialist. It is sometimes very difficult to get input from other teachers when I do not have the same lunch hour as them and I am the only Gifted teacher in the building.
I agree! I really enjoy coming to class to hear everyone’s stories and to share mine. Everyone always has something nice to say and it feels like we are all building wonderful relationships!
I was rereading through the posts and was amazed that my letter to Dr. and Mr. Smith basicially says this very thing. A class like this is truly invaluable for teachers. Thank you, ladies, for a wonderful experience.