During my 25 years of teaching in the math classroom, I’ve found that experienced teachers face unique challenges and are sometimes left feeling under-appreciated and unsupported. During the spring of 2018, I was accepted into the Google Innovator Academy and attended in July of 2018. There I learned I could create a project that would have a positive impact in education. This teacher support group grew out of that summer work and is now a part of my Google Innovator Project. I am passionate about teaching students, but I also understand how important it is for teachers to feel acknowledged and valued for the work they do. My Innovator Project website provides resources if you wish to replicate this teacher support group on your own campus or district.
For my Innovator Project, I personally invited teachers to become part of a special group of experienced teachers who want to work collaboratively to explore solutions to unique challenges we face inside and outside of the classroom, in a supportive & understanding environment.
WHAT do participants gain?
- Participation is voluntary, not paid, and not district sponsored, but participants will gain a personal and professional support network
- Support other experienced teachers, acknowledge and value each other
- Support each other academically and personally
- Thoughtful, non-judgmental, non-evaluative, empathic, liberating support in a safe space
- Collaborative problem solving for problems inside and outside the classroom
- Celebrate successes
- Better attuned, more effective and efficient teaching
- Teaching requires a high degree of energy on our part, that energy must be balanced, this will be an opportunity to “refill our cup”
WHAT takes place during the once a month meetings?
- There’s an agenda that will guide each meeting, but the group will be a part of the future planning and direction of our meetings
- Team building
- Guided topics to discuss
- Support
- And most importantly, snacks!
Check out my Innovator Project Website for all the details and resources. If you have any questions please use this contact form, I’m happy to help!
– Lisa
