"The presence of a supportive learning environment contributes significantly to the depth and breadth of learning that occurs."
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A female Monarch will lay up to 500 eggs.
The eggs must be laid on milkweed leaves; this is essential to the Monarchs’ survival. The tiny Monarch caterpillar must trust that its mother has chosen the right leaf and that their first bite will not kill them. Trust. As teachers, we ask our students to trust us daily. The milkweed leaf to the delicate egg, is the classroom environment to the student and/or teacher-learner. Mirror Reflection- The Big Ask |
In order to grow, the caterpillar must eat. And eat, and eat, and eat some more. The caterpillar’s skin does not stretch or grow. The caterpillar grows by molting, shedding the outgrown skin, several times while it grows. As a new teacher-learner, I took in everything I could in the first terms. I began to grow in my appreciation and understanding of restorative justice. As I learned, I shed previous misconceptions and developed new beliefs around RJE. |
What do I value in my teaching practice?
What beliefs are visible in my teaching practice? How does my vulnerability contribute to my teaching practice? |
August 2016. Brene Brown, The Power of Vulnerability |
As soon as a caterpillar is done growing and they have reached their full length and weight, they form themselves into a pupa, also known as a chrysalis. From the outside of the pupa, it looks as if the caterpillar may just be resting, but inside of the pupa, the caterpillar is rapidly changing. The chrysalis is a beautiful shade of green to help disguise it from predators. |
Within the chrysalis the caterpillar is undergoing a remarkable transformation, called metamorphosis. The tissue, limbs, and organs of the caterpillar have all been changed by the time the pupa is finished. It is now ready for the final stage of a butterfly’s life cycle. The chrysalis stage and the metamorphosis that occurs within this stage represents my 2nd field study. My second field study developed out of a recognition that I needed to make some changes in my teaching practice. I needed to implement self-care strategies in order to take better care of myself and be able to stay true to my core beliefs of what teaching is and the role I play in my students’ life. |
"How does my wellness impact my teaching and the interactions I have with my students?"
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This field study, and the learning that emerged, allowed me to reassess and re-evaluate what it is about being a teacher I truly value. It was the balance that I found during this field study that allowed me to move forward the following year when I was back in the classroom as an independent teacher with my own class. |
As teachers, throughout the school year, we move through various stages in our practice. Our successes and our perceived failures influence our approach and sentiment moving into the next.
My final field study inquiry grew out of the knowledge, experience, and learning that occurred for me in the two years leading up to it. I was able to explore and take risks in my classroom because I had already identified my strongest beliefs as to what a classroom community should look like, feel like, and sound like, for both me and my students. I felt as though I had earned the opportunity to implement my learning and the strategies I had developed. Furthermore, I had the belief in myself, and the confidence to do so. |
The butterfly is revered to be a messenger of “the moment.”
One of my most valuable learnings throughout this journey was that only when I am truly present in each moment am I able to connect with my students in an authentic and reciprocal way. Moving forward, in my teaching practice and career, a hope I have for myself is to be present. Present in my teaching, in my classroom, and in my interactions with both students and colleagues. Present not only in the joyful and enjoyable moments, but also in the difficult and challenging moments too. For I have learned that the best learning and insight is gained when things get tough. |
Teaching in it’s very essence is lifelong learning, a somewhat cyclical process that restarts with every new school year. September to June, we learn (through our successes, our failures, and our reflection of both) and we grow.
Butterflies possess the ability to grow and change, and with this transformation, the butterfly is without fear as they discover the new world after leaving the safety of their cocoon. Their perseverance to become this beautiful creature of color, must sustain and endure the necessary stages. For that reason, I believe the butterfly is one of the most inspiring symbols of the animal kingdom. |