Teaching the Teachers

Having already tried the "Atomic Bomb" activity in class (and very successfully I might add) it was time to teach the activity to my colleagues.  I wasn't too worried about this, I've presented in front of hundreds of teachers that I didn't even know so this was nothing new.  The main focus on what I was presenting was its applicability to any content area and the manner in which the activity forces the students to interact with and go back to the text several times.

Not surprisingly the activity went well.  All of the teachers could see how such an activity could be useful in their classes and many have begun using them with great success.  The part they liked the most was by having the students repeatedly go back to the text it was teaching them how to really analyze a piece of writing and do more than simply read what was in front of them.

There was some very legitimate concern among a few of my colleagues.  None of their concerns had to do with the method and material I was teaching by in implementing it in the school environment.  Their concern was that the PLN strategies they would be exposed to would be simply that; something they were exposed to and might use but would fade away like so many other programs before.  They expressed a concern that unless administration was more heavy handed in ensuring that this would be the standard way our district did things that the full potential of PLN strategies would not be met. 

I understand and sympathize with their concerns.  However, that is out of my control.  I will continue to use PLN strategies in my class and encourage others to do so.  Furthermore, I will be an open resource to my colleagues and share anything I can to help the improve reading and writing in their curriculum.