Educators are constantly looking for research, inspiration and new ideas to make our practices more dynamic and meaningful for students. The learning process is an amazing thing. I never tire of working toward my professional best. Part of learning and growing as a teacher is looking deep within yourself. Are you ready for what you will find? Will you be willing to change when necessary (notice I didn't say IF... it is a when)? Is there anyone you trust enough to ask (and receive) professional criticism from?

When we become stale in the classroom, our students suffer. I am determined to NEVER let that happen. The moment I stop learning, growing, changing and adding to what I do, is the exact time I need to stop teaching. My students deserve my very best!

My newest addition is beyond my wildest dreams! After going through the National Board process and completely evaluating my practice, I NEVER thought I would discover a greater or more meaningful way to think about student impact. The truth is... I have discovered what TRUE collaboration is. Folks... it isn't planning together. That is a tiny part of deep collaboration. It is trusting someone (or a group of people) with your passion for teaching and being able to see where you need to grow more. It is figuring out TOGETHER how to get there and executing a plan of excellence for children... regardless of what you did before and despite of your pride. It is the coolest thing EVER!!

This COOL collaboration grew in a crazy way last school year when Kelly Parrott received a SMART board for her room and ... I did not. To say I was devastated is such an understatement. I had BIG plans for that SMART board!!! Sometimes blessings come in hidden packages. Kelly was beginning her National Board journey so I reasoned with myself that it was better for her to have it anyway. In truth, I was DYING to get my hands on it! :) We started meeting for Morning Message in Kelly's room so we could use her SMART board. Kelly had never used Morning Message so it was a wonderful discovery for her too. What grew from that idea was a collaborative environment for us and our students alike. I will tell you... I loved watching Kelly bloom through the National Board process. I would never have witnessed it if it had not been for Our SMART Community. In one school year, we merged our teaching into a blend of excellence and we will continue this year molding into small flexible grouping between our classes to make learning/teaching more effective for all students.

So...why devote an entire page to collaboration and Our SMART Community when I have a whole blog about it? I needed more space to explain just how it has impacted me professionally. Do you have a similiar opportunity? Can you make one happen? You will be blessed beyond measure if you put your whole self into it! IT IS AMAZING!!!!!

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