My action research project is off to a good start this year. It has not been as smooth as I would have liked because the new teachers are required to attend so many other meetings and we are trying not to really overwhelm them. The meeting with CILT went well in the spring. We decided to repeat Action Step 3 in August because we had some other new teachers added for the 2013-2-14 school year. This revision also caused us to revise some of the sessions and trainings that we had planned in Action Step 4. The new teachers are enjoying the collaborative settings that they are getting a chance to attend together. They feel that they are beneficial even with all of the other things that are going on. We really try to make the sessions pleasant and relaxed by providing snacks and opportunities to celebrate their successes. We also try not to make the meetings longer than necessary by sticking to our norms and following our agendas. Sometimes the teachers will stay longer just to share ideas and also ask for some one-on-one support or help. We have been going into the classrooms and doing SPOT observations for the purpose of coaching only. The teachers welcome the feedback and also any ideas or suggestions that can help them do a better job. The new teachers do not know that I am doing an action research project. I don’t want them to feel that they are getting this help only because of an assignment. We are having a wonderful time learning and sharing together. I am already looking forward to doing it again next year.
