As Palmer1 states, “…teaching holds a mirror to the soul. Because all you do in the classroom is shaded by what is going on inside you, it is important to take the time to reflect and be aware of your own inner landscape—emotional, intellectual, and spiritual.” It is important to take time out of our busy lives to pause and reflect as part of a balanced life approach that provides adequate time for things such as sleeping, eating, relaxing, and spending time with family and friends2. Factors important to individual reflective practice include identity, ethics, courage, caring, reframing, voice, inquiry, time, dialogue, and trust.
Though you cannot control the actions of others, you can control your own behavior in ways that will increase the likelihood of trusting relationships developing—a precursor to more substantial systems change. As noted in class, ‘wherever each of us shows up we have an opportunity to influence for the good’3. To foster trust, one can be present, open, listen fully, seek understanding, see learning as reciprocal, and honor both the person and the process4. When people act in ways that reduce others’ sense of vulnerability, they help to build trust across the learning community5. Unlocking the energy and potential of others has both personal and interpersonal dimensions: “It begins within each of us and radiates outward as we clarify our purposes, represent our views to others, improve the quality of our relationships, and shape the culture of our organizations.”6
Sources:
1: Palmer, P. J. (1997). The heart of a teacher: Identity and integrity in teaching. Change, 29, 14-21. (Quote: par. 5)
2, 4: York-Barr, J., Sommers, W. A., Ghere, G. S., & Montie, J. (2006). Reflective practice to improve schools: An action guide for educators (2nd ed.). Thousand Oaks, California: Corwin Press.
3: Lecture, Leadership for Professional Learning, 9/11/13
5: Bryk, A. S., & Schneider, B. (2003). Trust in schools: A core resource for school reform. Educational Leadership, 60(6), 40-45.
6: Sparks, D. (2005). Leading for results: Transforming teaching, learning, and results in schools. Thousand Oaks, California: Corwin Press. (Quote: p. ix)
What strategies have you found helpful in setting aside time and space for reflection and self-care? What suggestions do you have for others as they work to balance demands of being education professionals and fulfilling family and others while also carving out space for themselves?
***feel free to do your own post and/or build off of others' posts to create a discussion forum***
Though you cannot control the actions of others, you can control your own behavior in ways that will increase the likelihood of trusting relationships developing—a precursor to more substantial systems change. As noted in class, ‘wherever each of us shows up we have an opportunity to influence for the good’3. To foster trust, one can be present, open, listen fully, seek understanding, see learning as reciprocal, and honor both the person and the process4. When people act in ways that reduce others’ sense of vulnerability, they help to build trust across the learning community5. Unlocking the energy and potential of others has both personal and interpersonal dimensions: “It begins within each of us and radiates outward as we clarify our purposes, represent our views to others, improve the quality of our relationships, and shape the culture of our organizations.”6
Sources:
1: Palmer, P. J. (1997). The heart of a teacher: Identity and integrity in teaching. Change, 29, 14-21. (Quote: par. 5)
2, 4: York-Barr, J., Sommers, W. A., Ghere, G. S., & Montie, J. (2006). Reflective practice to improve schools: An action guide for educators (2nd ed.). Thousand Oaks, California: Corwin Press.
3: Lecture, Leadership for Professional Learning, 9/11/13
5: Bryk, A. S., & Schneider, B. (2003). Trust in schools: A core resource for school reform. Educational Leadership, 60(6), 40-45.
6: Sparks, D. (2005). Leading for results: Transforming teaching, learning, and results in schools. Thousand Oaks, California: Corwin Press. (Quote: p. ix)
What strategies have you found helpful in setting aside time and space for reflection and self-care? What suggestions do you have for others as they work to balance demands of being education professionals and fulfilling family and others while also carving out space for themselves?
***feel free to do your own post and/or build off of others' posts to create a discussion forum***