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Teachers from Tappan Zee Elementary School and Cottage Lane came together to have, “Open Space”, that was facilitated by Gene Thompson-Grove, an educational consultant. Gene explained that Open Space is about something you are passionate about, but that it is bound by responsibility. This workshop was not about what we should or must learn, but what we have a passion for learning more about. The plan was for teachers to volunteer to come to the middle of the circle and say their name and what they were passionate about talking with colleagues about. The idea was that you convene a conversation on a topic you are passionate about. It didn’t mean that you had to facilitate or that you were an expert on the topic. Rather, it was something you wanted to learn more about.
Teachers were arranged in concentric circles while the four principles of Open Space were discussed and displayed on a chart:
- Whoever comes are the right people
- Whatever happens is the only thing that could have?
- Whenever it starts is the right time
- When it’s over it’s over
One by one or in groups of two or three, teachers stepped into the circle and scheduled sessions on topics such as: Making The Common Core Interesting; Our Mission to the International Space Station; Use of Math Manipulatives and Needs; Problem-Based Learning; The Leaner Active Technology-Infused Classroom; How to Handle Stress in Our New Accountability System; Math Modules; Web Presence; and more. At TZHS, teachers worked on reviewing Common Core modules, engaging in discussions regarding curriculum design, and learning about how mindset impacts students (growth vs. fixed). At WOS, teachers continued enhancing their writing curriculum. At SOMS, teachers were enhancing their web presences and creating problem based units. Teachers were encouraged and empowered by the sessions they attended throughout the day.
