A Teacher is Celebrated

A Teacher is Celebrated

Teacher Lauren struggles with teaching and executing consistent high expectations in her classroom, specifically with transitions between her subjects. Her students are not getting their supplies out in a timely manner and learning time is lost. She reaches out to her assigned instruction coach, Kevin. They both agree this would be an excellent professional learning target she should work on towards mastery and get certified. He sets her up with an experienced peer to observe her classroom.  

Lauren observes a peer teacher and takes notes on the specific techniques used during their transitions. Lauren goes back into her classroom and begins implementing the techniques immediately. She grabs the attention of her Year 2 students by placing her hands on her head and says, “hands on top, everybody stops.” This indicates that the students are to stop and place their hands on their heads. She gives the first instruction of putting their current science books back into their desk. Once they are finished, they are to place a pointer finger on their nose to indicate they have completed the task and are ready for the next one. The next instruction is to get out their Maths book and place it on their desk. When they have completed that task, they are to place both hands folded on top of their book. The transition between one subject to another has run smoother and taken less time. 

Kevin visits the classroom to observe Lauren. He praises her improved transitions, specifically on cutting down time so that less learning time is lost. Lauren feels confident that she can get the transitions done faster with more practise. Kevin encourages her to keep embedding the technique throughout the day. If she stays consistent, she may be ready to be assessed and become certified within a few months.