fluent.in.teaching

I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to work with Sandra Logan (left), the French Coach in Halifax for two days. On the first day, I got to job-shadow her in action as she co-taught with Caroline Smith (right) in Grades 4 & 5 Core French.

Anytime you have an opportunity to visit a new school, soak everything up you can. Bedford South has a diverse population – it is like a mini United Nations. It was a joy to be a part of Caroline’s classes for the day as she has a great sense of classroom management delivered respectfully yet firmly. For instance, I really liked this slight twist. Instead of asking if she could help her students, she asked how she could support them.

Caroline had the main stage, but Sandra and I helped out, especially with the writing activity the students were doing. At the end of the class, Caroline asked, “What did you learn? and What did you have fun doing today?” She had some thoughtful answers. What a great way to end a class.

The next day, Sandra and I had the entire day together to collaborate. There is nothing more satisfying than talking with someone who is equally passionate about her job and supporting each other through shared challenges. At some points, I laughed so hard I was almost crying. Plus, we have a shared love of integrating technology and gleefully geeked out together.

Find your teaching tribe and find ways to spend time with them. Apply for peer-mentoring days and attend conferences with your teaching bestie. You will fill your teaching cup with renewed energy.