I currently have a few writing projects in the works, coupled with some really great work happening at school. A common thread that keeps coming up is teacher as researcher.
Yesterday, I let my feelings out, in my slice, about frustration with reading legislation in our state. But today, everything keeps pointing me back to my beliefs and what I know to be true-the things that I do have power over.
Fortunately, I grew up as a teacher in a school community that fostered teachers as problem solvers. I have carried that attitude, as part of my being, into a new role, a new school, and a new community.
Whenever I pitch a new curriculum or a new idea to teachers, I always come at it with, “Let’s just see what happens. Let’s figure it out for ourselves.”
That has become something that I’m most proud of in our school community, our learning-always mentality.
Today, our first-grade team met to look at data. The data came from optional assessments and assessments that had created themselves out of a need they saw. We came together to see what story this data told us and to decide what next steps would be best for each individual child. We saw class trends and individual strengths and needs. The team celebrated all the work that got their students to this point. They talked together about what they were noticing and their ideas for next steps. They know their students so well and their students are thriving in so many ways because of their never-ending research.
At that moment, I knew I was surrounded by people who share a passion and an unwavering belief in the work that we get do together.
Where There Is Joy 
I think that working with colleagues who want to keep learning and growing is the key to doing great work. I feel so grateful to work with you!
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Same! ❤️
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I read your slice from yesterday and now, as I read this, I am so glad you had that meeting to feel what NO lagislature can take away. Go, Jessica, Go!!
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It’s vital teachers feel empowered, but I’m curious about the kind of assessments you’re referencing. When I hear “data” my mind automatically goes to numbers and standardized assessments.
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It was formative. We are using a phonics blending assessment to track how kids are applying their phonics. We created an encoding version and use that alongside kids’ writing to work on transfer.
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Team work certainly helps. Glad you’re slice was more positive today.
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These moments make it worth it. It’s what keeps me going!
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I am in awe of the work your school does. Here, we don’t have a coach that stays with a school, we don’t have any time available for collaboration and I’m not sure most places are as good with data use as you are. No matter what comes, you and your team will continue to make a difference – and I’m sure you’ll be a voice in support of whatever works for reading. You’ve got this.
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