There is power in creating a learning space where everyone’s strengths and learning needs are not only addressed but valued. It is a skill that we must teach our children; as a working adult, and a teacher, I realize the potential of being part of a team where we use our different experiences and skills to create something deliverable to a class.
I got to co-teach a music block during my practicum, which proved to be difficult at times because of the difference in teaching styles. Still, there was a unique energy in co-teaching that creates a unique classroom environment. I feel the same energy here working with my team. This collaboration time that we are afforded in our planning week at the Vancouver Biennale is so valuable. If only schools not only encouraged but provided a time and a space for teachers to sit down at a big table and lay out our thinking and planning, then schools could really be transformed! It is incredible how much work we have completed in one morning. We have used each other’s strengths: Erin’s creative ideas, Ashleigh’s artistic talents, my organized facilitation, and we have established the “big idea” to teach a mini- unit next week at Walter Moberly School.
I am looking forward to going into the classroom with the ladies, and teaching our class of 4/5′s using the units which we are planning right now.