Teachers Collaborate at Monthly Meeting

Published January 21, 2010

Once a month, teachers from three Williamson County elementary schools gather to share information, exchange ideas and discuss various teaching strategies. It's part of a voluntary professional development program called GREAT (Growing Readers with Engaged, Authentic Teaching).

The group began meeting last fall and is comprised of educators from Heritage, Lipscomb and Oak View elementary schools. Approximately 30 to 40 teachers attend each monthly meeting at Oak View.

The teachers split into groups depending on grade level and discuss Balanced Literacy, which is a framework designed to help all students read and write effectively. For two hours, the teachers suggest book ideas, trade teaching tools and share classroom experiences. Whether they're discussing ways to measure student comprehension or comparing assessment strategies, the teachers are dedicated to improving student performance.

"It gives us an opportunity to collaborate with other teachers from around the county," said Oak View teacher Mindy Cushenberry. "We're able to share ideas about what works and what doesn't, and we can all learn from one another. Everybody gets something out of it."

Amanda Clarke teachers fourth grade at Heritage Elementary School. She has attended every GREAT meeting since it began and says working with teachers from other schools has given her a fresh approach to teaching Balanced Literacy. “It’s been wonderful to bounce ideas off of other teachers and see what they’re doing and get ideas to use in my own classroom," said Clarke. "I have begun using new professional books that have really helped me become a better teacher."

Perhaps the most impressive part is the fact that so many teachers are willing to give up their free time each month and be part of group that's dedicated to helping students achieve at the highest level.

"I think it's pretty neat that people are volunteering to learn more," said Cushenberry. "It shows the dedication these teachers have and I really think it speaks for our school district."