Standard Two: Instructional Leadership
In addition to assisting with formal observations and informal walkthroughs, I had the unique opportunity to evolve an existing practice at my school: Learning Walks. Learning walks were previously an opportunity for beginning teachers to observe veteran teachers within and outside of their respective subjects to analyze specific instructional practices. Learning Walks allowed teachers to reflect on their own practices but also provide feedback to other teachers in a non-evaluative manner. Being given charge of this, I quickly found that our number of beginning teachers had declined and that Learning Walks needed a re-branding. Through talking with teachers, I determined that Learning Walks could be a catalyst for PLTs wanting to increase the levels of collaboration. After developing a focus question based on their collective needs, I conducted Learning Walks with various PLTs that provided the groundwork for them to advance their work.
"Although we have rich discussion, actually getting to see what is going on in other teachers' classrooms was so beneficial. I could ask specific questions about things I observed, which allowed for great conversation and collaboration!" - Member of Social Studies PLT
World History PLT Learning Walk Instrument
Learning Walk Feedback Example
Learning Walk Reflection Activity
"Although we have rich discussion, actually getting to see what is going on in other teachers' classrooms was so beneficial. I could ask specific questions about things I observed, which allowed for great conversation and collaboration!" - Member of Social Studies PLT
World History PLT Learning Walk Instrument
Learning Walk Feedback Example
Learning Walk Reflection Activity