One of the greatest privileges in my professional life has been the opportunity to learn the discipline of professional learning in education from highly respected researchers who advanced not just the field of professional development (PD) but the broader sphere of educational reform. Beverly Showers, a widely published and internationally recognized researcher, shaped my growth as an educator and supported the design of a comprehensive state-wide system of professional development in Iowa.  Our work together resulted in dissemination of multiple state publications and the delivery of workshops across the state on how to implement and sustain the Iowa Professional Development Model (IPDM).  Bev concluded from her own research and her knowledge of PD literature that teachers can “acquire new knowledge and skill and use it in their instructional practice when provided with adequate opportunities to learn”[1]. Continue reading “Peer Coaching”

This week I will ask my kids to tell me what they are thankful for.  I will most likely get the usual responses – my dog, my video games, my doll, my Transformers.  And when I ask them to reflect a little more I’ll get some answers I like better – my house, my family, my coat, healthy food.  This year I decided that I will put a little thought into it before I sit down at the table.  And as I did, I couldn’t stop thinking about how grateful I am for the compassion and empathy I have seen inside my children’s school this month. Continue reading “To Everyone in Our Schools: Thank You for Your Compassion and Empathy”

I just came across some quotations by the poet Rainer Maria Rilke (1875-1926), one of the great 20th century German language poets. His writing often gives me a fresh way to think about ideas I have been wrestling with. Perhaps these quotations will give you pause to think more deeply about something on your mind.

“Believe that with your feelings and your work you are taking part in the greatest; the more strongly you cultivate this belief, the more will reality and the world go forth from it.”      

Rainer Maria Rilke Continue reading “Poet’s Words Give Pause”

I watched and listened to much of the event honoring the 50th anniversary of Dr. King’s “I have a dream speech.”

It was inspiring and prompted me to watch the entirety of Dr. King’s speech again. We hear the sound bytes from the speech often enough, but listening, really listening, to his entire message was well worth my time. It is a reminder of the obstacles that had to be overcome, an opportunity to reflect on the progress that has been made, and a reminder there is much to do still today.

“I say to you today, my friends, though, even though we face the difficulties of today and tomorrow, I still have a dream.”

—Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., August 28th, 1963

This is the first year that all of my children are in school.  I think that Beckett, returning from his first day of kindergarten, summed it up for all of us when he said:  “Best day ever!”

Sometimes as the mom it is easy to get caught up gathering supplies, washing clothes, buying new shoes, and packing lunches, and those are all important.  But the beginning of school this year is so much bigger than all that.  My kids are out there in the world, learning, growing, and finding out where they fit.  And that is awesome! Continue reading “Back to School and Out in the World”

Learning a new skill, even if it is a hobby, can inform your thinking about the learning conditions adults need to be successful. Please view my video blog about learning a new skill and my reflections on learning conditions for teachers and school leaders. Leave a comment, if you would like to discuss the ideas I shared in my blog.