A Fresh Perspective; Former Coach to New Approach
As you grow older, many things change. One aspect that I believe will never change is the ability to learn. Within the teaching community we are lucky to work with experienced teachers with backgrounds that span decades, and new college graduates full of energy and new ideas, eager to make their mark on the next generation. At 28 years old, I reached a point that I might describe as a plateau; happy in my job, satisfied but eager for the next step. “What now?” I asked myself. I remember talking with my Principal who recommended a Masters to me, but as a Scot working in an American School, in the Netherlands I thought to myself; why? Many teachers complete this to step up the pay scale ladder. How my perspective has changed! The past 2 years have meant so much more to me. I have never been so engaged in learning, I had never experienced a love for learning. So in the home straight of my Masters, I must ask myself once again “what now?”
I decided to reflect on my experience and find perspecive for the future. My goals for the future include
It is important to not forget the wealth of resources within the community we work. As I have progressed in the past few years, I find myself having conversations with colleagues who are (surprisingly) interested and engaged in what I have to say! I feel like over the past two years I have lacked confidence to share the concepts, topics or resources I have studied. I believe this is something I need to work on as the work I have done can benefit not only my teaching, but help others. Over the past month, I have attempted to become more active to initiate conversations and make cross-curricular links, so setting a goal to become more outgoing to collaborate is important to me. Websites by The PE Geek, Mr Hair and Mr Adam inspires me to be more collaborative within the Physical Education community and from this perspective; my international colleagues are also valuable resources. I also would like to develop my website further to create a network where I can share my work and become more active on Twitter.
I decided to reflect on my experience and find perspecive for the future. My goals for the future include
- Become more outgoing with regards to collaboration,
- Consider leadership opportunities and the purpose behind these opportunities,
- Focus on assessment within PE and be an advocate for positive change in assessment practices.
It is important to not forget the wealth of resources within the community we work. As I have progressed in the past few years, I find myself having conversations with colleagues who are (surprisingly) interested and engaged in what I have to say! I feel like over the past two years I have lacked confidence to share the concepts, topics or resources I have studied. I believe this is something I need to work on as the work I have done can benefit not only my teaching, but help others. Over the past month, I have attempted to become more active to initiate conversations and make cross-curricular links, so setting a goal to become more outgoing to collaborate is important to me. Websites by The PE Geek, Mr Hair and Mr Adam inspires me to be more collaborative within the Physical Education community and from this perspective; my international colleagues are also valuable resources. I also would like to develop my website further to create a network where I can share my work and become more active on Twitter.
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Secondly, I am beginning a new series of courses to gain a Middle Leadership certificate. As PS-12 coordinator of Physical Education and Health, I feel like I am more of a facilitator than a leader at this point. Completing this course will support some of the work I have completed within the Masters courses. Looking into visions, adapting to change and building a strong team is important to the success of the department. Developing my knowledge of emotional intelligence is important to me. This relates to motivation, managing emotions and creating an authentic, supportive leadership style. The Four Agreements by Dan Miguel Ruiz and 12: The Elements of Great Managing by Rodd Wagner & James K Harter are two texts I would like to read in the near future to support this goal.
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I have thoroughly enjoyed learning more about assessment, and many of the courses I have taken part in link to this area. Developing my knowledge of technology has opened my eyes into how assessment can (and should) look within a modern day PE class. Implementing technology for assessment takes time and requires support. Experimenting with apps such as Clipstro and FitBreak, or software such as EdPuzzle and Padlet aim to further my knowledge on how this can be done. I hope to develop a culture within the department where I can set good examples, advocate positive change and support how new media can be used to support assessment methods.
Clipstro
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FitBreak
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EdPuzzzle
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Padlet
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Please find PDF copy for this essay in an alternative format below.
Image Sources:
The Four Agreements: https://www.amazon.com/Four-Agreements-Practical-Personal-Freedom/dp/1878424319
12: The Elements of Great Managing: https://www.amazon.com/12-Elements-Managing-Rodd-Wagner/dp/159562998X
Clipstro: https://twitter.com/clipstro
FitBreak: http://breakappz.com/fitbreak-has-arrived/
EdPuzzle: https://edpuzzle.com/classes
Padlet: https://padlet.com/auth/signup
The Four Agreements: https://www.amazon.com/Four-Agreements-Practical-Personal-Freedom/dp/1878424319
12: The Elements of Great Managing: https://www.amazon.com/12-Elements-Managing-Rodd-Wagner/dp/159562998X
Clipstro: https://twitter.com/clipstro
FitBreak: http://breakappz.com/fitbreak-has-arrived/
EdPuzzle: https://edpuzzle.com/classes
Padlet: https://padlet.com/auth/signup