I just completed three days at the Virginia Leadership Institute for Professional Developers in SIM. It was a revolutionary experience. To be honest, when I came into the week, I wasn't really sure if I was going to follow through with the apprenticeship after the institute or not. I'm switching schools, and I just wasn't sure if it was going to be feasible to meet all of the requirements. I was feeling rather burnt out just thinking about trying to "get everything done" that will be required to become a professional developer in CER's.
Thankfully, this week revived my passion for education in general and for the value of SIM and the need for passionate leaders to carry the torch of it to others. It was superb to be exposed to adult learning theory, partnership principles, the impact cycle and much more in an environment of determined, energetic and encouraging individuals. The opportunity to develop assignments and present both a SIM overview and a data-driven integration of routines and strategies was wonderfully challenging to me as a learner. Being able to give those presentations and receive feedback in a supportive and constructive environment was priceless.
It would be impossible to even list everything that I gained intellectually from this week, but the emotional influence that it has left on me as an educator is truly beyond words. I am so grateful to have been granted the privilege to participate in this marvelous experience, and I am fully convinced that the impact it is leaving on me goes far beyond understanding data or matching a need with a routine or strategy. It reminded me that there are still teachers and other individuals in the education field who adore their work and are there to support one another. Needless to say, I'm thankful that I didn't back out!
Thankfully, this week revived my passion for education in general and for the value of SIM and the need for passionate leaders to carry the torch of it to others. It was superb to be exposed to adult learning theory, partnership principles, the impact cycle and much more in an environment of determined, energetic and encouraging individuals. The opportunity to develop assignments and present both a SIM overview and a data-driven integration of routines and strategies was wonderfully challenging to me as a learner. Being able to give those presentations and receive feedback in a supportive and constructive environment was priceless.
It would be impossible to even list everything that I gained intellectually from this week, but the emotional influence that it has left on me as an educator is truly beyond words. I am so grateful to have been granted the privilege to participate in this marvelous experience, and I am fully convinced that the impact it is leaving on me goes far beyond understanding data or matching a need with a routine or strategy. It reminded me that there are still teachers and other individuals in the education field who adore their work and are there to support one another. Needless to say, I'm thankful that I didn't back out!