Tonya Ward Singer Professional Learning Archives - Page 2 of 3

Seven Ways to Raise Expectations for All Students

Oct1

We need every teacher to believe in the full potential of every kid. Most of us share this belief, in theory. In practice, things get a little more complicated. It’s easy, for example, in a school where most students underperform, to adjust our expectations of what is possible to fit what we see. It is much more challenging to hold a vision that extends beyond the status quo, and help kids grow into that vision.

Here seven powerful practices you can use in your school to raise expectations for all students, especially ELLs, students of color, students living in poverty, or any students who are not yet thriving.

Get Explicit about Implicit Bias

Sep15

No matter how good our intentions to be free of prejudice, we all have implicit biases that can have a serious impact on our work in schools.

Implicit bias refers to stereotypes or attitudes that affect our decisions and actions. Unlike explicit bias, which is intentional and part of our belief systems, implicit bias is an association we have that is unconscious and unintentional.

Using Twitter to Enhance Professional Learning

Jun5

This is the third blog in a series on using Twitter for professional learning. In Part I we explored the question “Should Twitter replace professional development?” In Part II we delved into the pros and cons of Twitter for professional growth. Now let’s get specific about how to leverage Twitter to enhance school and district-level professional learning.

The Pros and Cons of Twitter for Professional Learning

May27

In part I of this three-part blog series, I challenged the notion that Twitter should replace professional development. A total replacement would be tragic, but using Twitter to enhance professional learning has serious potential.

Should Twitter Replace Professional Development?

May19

There is buzz online about Twitter replacing professional development. Is it a good idea, or problematic to focus all professional learning time on hashtags and tweets? Join us in exploring this provocative question.

Twelve Days of Social Networking

Dec18

In the spirit of holiday fun, I’ve rewritten a classic song from the 1700s with a twenty-first century twist. This is dedicated to educators, leaders and innovators engaged in professional learning networks (PLN).

Risk-Taking is Essential for Professional Learning

Dec17

Risk-taking is the make-or-break ingredient of effective professional learning. Without it, we are just going through the motions of “doing professional learning.” How do we bridge this gap between gathering ideas and transforming how we teach?

7 Ways to Build Trust for Peer Observation

Dec10

“There is no more powerful way of improving on the job than by observing others and having others observe us.” —Roland Barth (2006) The challenge is opening doors. Use these seven strategies for building trust and buy-in to begin deep professional learning.

Observe Together to Deepen Professional Learning

Dec1

Collaboration can be shallow or deep, a way to maintain business as usual, or a driver for collective change. Make professional learning powerful by moving from talk to action. It begins by opening doors.

How Do You Find Your Edge?

Jan27

Learning begins at the edge of what we don’t know. How do you find your edge, continuously, and empower others to do the same?