This is a time of transition for me…
For the past nine years I’ve been an integration mentor for the Maine Learning Technology Initiative (MLTI). I traveled across the state meeting with middle school and high school teachers and leading workshops for them. I also created resources and provided some online learning opportunities to help teachers refine their practice using technology to meet the ever changing needs of their students.
In those nine years I learned a great deal about leadership, facilitation, communication, collaboration, workshop design, resource creation, and all other aspects of professional development. In short, I learned how to teach teachers. I use the word “teach” in its broadest sense because I believe teaching goes far beyond mere instruction. I could use words like “coach” or “facilitate” because that is often what I do, but I also model, assess, advise, commiserate, build relationships and, yes, sometimes I instruct.
While I draw on all my teaching experience when I’m working with them, I’ve come to realize that there’s a different dynamic to teaching teachers. It’s not exactly like teaching young children or adolescents and it’s different from traditional adult education. When I’m working with teachers, they are my students, but they are still my peers.
I recently left my position with MLTI but I will continue to provide some professional development in my new job as a K-12 technology integrator. I’ve started this blog as a place for me to reflect on my work, to ponder new ideas, and occasionally to suggest tools and resources for teachers. I hope you will join the conversation and share your thoughts and ideas with me and my readers.
Teaching Teachers 