Ch. 4 Synthesis

    
I do understand the components of school-based collaboration, including the benefits and barriers.  Right now, I’m in the process of deciding on A-Teaming two students which could lead to implementation of Resource or Speech or possible retention.  For this process, I’m staying in touch with the A-Team Coordinator, Instructional Coach, and Speech Pathologist to make sure I’m taking the right steps at the right time.  I try to be a good team player and have been told by my administration and colleagues that I am.  Giving others the respect that I would like to receive is important to me.  I make sure that my lessons are standard-based and take note of what is essential for the student to learn and not learn when it comes to broad standards.  I use our district portal very much to guarantee that my students are learning according to the pacing guide and are being assessed by the common assessments provided. 

      What I need to implement more and strategize with how to make it work for me and my packed schedule is to try to make more time for higher quality collaboration.  When my grade level meets every Thursday, I am responsible for Math and its planning form for all my grade level teachers and our instructional coach.  While I do take the time and effort to make good lesson plans, they could be better and more creative overall.  Also at grade level, I tend to become frustrated every now and then when something else is piled on us and let it be known of how teachers have TOO much to do that doesn't involve lesson planning and assessment.

      When being told by our instructional coach of what else we have to do that doesn’t involve lesson plans/preparation and assessment, I could try to look at the positive side.  I could suggest to my colleagues how we can make it work so that stress isn’t the go-to and we don’t feel overwhelmed.  With planning for Math, I could do a little along the way instead of cramming it in one night.  That way I always feel fresh and I can give my 100% for the whole week of plans.  Next school year I will have more free time because of being done with grad school and I will volunteer more to help with school programs and even to be chair of committees!