After returning home from my amazing two-day, Whole Brain Teaching conference, I began wondering if I could get professional development credit for it. After all, it was sponsored by the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary education and they notified me saying that they had verified my attendance and had a certificate of attendance ready for me.
My district has cracked down on what they are willing to accept for professional development (pd) credit but due to all the reasons already mentioned, I thought it was worth a try to ask the powers that be; after all it was two full days of my summer.
I was told that since I had not made the request beforehand, that I could not receive in-service hours for the conference. I'm not that upset since I went for myself and to further my own learning. I had no problem paying for my own hotel, buying gas for the car and food to eat. What upsets me is because I did not follow protocol, or the rules that I was unaware of that it somehow lessens my experience in that my professional community (school district) doesn't recognize it.
Even that doesn't really bother me but it made me wonder about my students and their learning. Do we, as teachers, recognize their learning even if it doesn't fall within our predetermined procedures. Further, are they truly aware of the procedures they need to follow?
I would love to hear your thoughts.
Thoughtfully,
Bells
1 comment:
I think students are constantly dealing with all the unwritten and hidden rules of school culture. Some kids figure it all out very quickly, and others struggle every minute of every day. -Lara
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