Supporting Learning

Teachers can feel like they have a looked-down upon position in our society. I believe part of that is due to a perceived lack of professionalism. Teachers get summers and holidays off, participate in dress-up (or down) days, "leave" work at 3pm, and hang out with kids all day.

Now - most of that is false to some extent or another - but the idea of tenure and the lack of life-long learning are valid examples of issues in the teaching profession.

One of the great things that has emerged with the rise of the internet is the diffusion of learning outside of higher education and pay-walled journals or classes. Blogs and podcasts provide innumerable ways of engaging with ideas, solutions, problems, and research in a way that can encourage teachers to grow and improve.

One of the roles that a principal and a diocesan office can serve in the Catholic schools system is providing those resources to teachers seeking solutions or ideas.

Such a resource doesn't need to be a Marshall Memo or The Main Idea - level enterprise; though such a tool for Catholic-focused educators would be wondrous.

I think three models work well:

1. Dr. Tim Uhl's newsletter - produced by an engaged individual based on his/her own readings or interest in topics. It is available for all and has a largely national, weekly focus.

2. San Diego's newsletter - produced by their department on a semi-monthly basis with a focus on events within the diocese but teaching ideas and tips for Catholic educators there.

3. Our own staff newsletter - produced by me on a weekly basis with an eye towards events, calendar, and a few relevant articles/tips/ideas.

In producing such a product, I think the keys are:

1. Audience - be teacher- (or principal-)focused

2. Navigable - be easy to use and follow

3. Consistent - use a similar format, release on a regular schedule

4. Relevant - include helpful links for your audience that match PD topics, local issues, or timely matters

5. Light - summarize, use key words, highlight and link - don't just put a link or copy/paste whole-sale

I believe such a resource would be helpful at any school-level or district-level office.