Productive Professional Learning

 This past week, I attended two workshops. Often, school- or board-workshops can be dull or unfulfilling, but this was not the case for the two sessions this past week.

Wednesday, September 25, 2024 = TDSB TL Facilitator Orientation

What event would spur me to abandon my book fair in the middle of the big selling spree? That would be the TDSB TL Facilitator Meeting. It is so important to gather in person with other lead teacher librarians to understand the board priorities and plan the sessions we offer to other TLs in TDSB. Our acting Program Coordinator is Deb Haines. Deb did a great job of setting the tone - positive, while at the same time realistic ... purposeful and goal-driven, while at the same time personal with a dash of humor.

We also had a great review of CIVIX's Ctrl-F programs. The best part was hearing from all the other experienced TLs in the room and what they were up to in their spaces. A few of us stayed extra late to cross-reference the lists of new TLs with the new Family of School boundaries, so that we can reach out to the new TLs in our area to invite them to our upcoming meetings. 

Friday, September 27, 2024 = Robotics and STEM in our new STEM Lab

On Friday, we had a PA (Professional Activity) Day. The board gave us guidelines for what could be covered that day, but directed us to provide in-house learning. It was the perfect time to share with the educators in my school the brand new STEM Lab and all the things it has to offer.

This is not false modesty: I "co-facilitated" this workshop with the talented Matthew Malisani, but honestly, I maybe contributed about 5% of the planning for the morning. I added details to two of the 30 pages on the slide deck, I talked a bit during the presentation, and I set up the bulletin board displays in the STEM Lab. Matthew did all the rest. 

The first part of the morning was devoted to robotics. We introduced Dash Robots to the staff. The priority for this learning opportunity was for it to be hands-on. The staff learned the basics of operating the robots and then proceeded to try some challenges, such as knocking over a wall within a maze and using the robot to pop a balloon. Hopefully, we made it clear how differentiated instruction and Universal Design for Learning principles are easily interwoven into activities such as these. We also wanted to emphasize that the STEM Lab and robots are not just for teachers who have STEM in their timetables; it can be integrated into any and all subject areas. (I'm only posting photos without faces on my blog of this PD, since I didn't get permission from everyone to share.)

The second part of the morning focused on more low-tech tools. We are so lucky that Matthew is a former Design and Tech teacher. He led us through tasks that introduced tools like hand saws and c-clamps for construction. There were two challenges: first, build a 10 x 10 cm frame using jinx wood, and then, collaboratively build a bridge that humans can use so they don't interfere with turtle habitats but links two cities over a river. The accountable talk was delightful to hear, the varied products were amazing to see, and the level of collaboration was through the roof. People even stayed after the workshop was done so they could finish building their bridges.

People really responded well to the morning's agenda. They said that it was fun, engaging and helpful to know what was available. Some left the session bubbling with ideas about ways to integrate the STEM lab offerings in their upcoming units. Mission accomplished! Thanks to everyone in both the TL and AMPS workshops for their enthusiasm, planning and participation.