Gaining Perspective

With each passing week, through our experiences at District C, my classmates and I have had the opportunity to meet with a sampling of individuals, each with their own unique perspectives on education. Thus far we have had several opportunities to discuss various educational topics and issues with individuals in a number of positions within the educational field. Our class has met:

• Members of the District C Administration: Superintendent, Principal, and Vice Principal. 
• Members of the District C Faculty, from a range of content areas: Special Education, English, History/ Social Studies, as well as a number of others we have had the opportunity to observe.
• Several Rhode Island College Professors, with specialties in various areas of elementary and secondary education: Literacy, ELL/ ESL Instruction, Educational Psychology, Transformative Pedagogy, Foreign Language Didactics, Urban Education, and Community and School Health Education.
• A panel of four District C Students, representing each high school grade level.
• Rhode Island College PE/ Health Education Students.
• And last but certainly not least our bus driver Steve, who has given us insight into the District C community with his many "bus ride stories." How else would we know about "Sparkle City?"

When our class was first approached about participation in the Innovation Lab I was extremely excited about being presented with the experience of spending an entire semester out in a high school setting, however I didn't anticipate getting the opportunity to meet with such an diverse group of progressive educators.

And I never imagined just how profoundly the experience would influence my own personal identity as an educator. 

It has been truly inspirational. 

And still the journey continues... this week my classmates and I get to partner with District C parents and gain yet another perspective into the world of education.

Teaching Perspectives Inventory: Helps summarize your views & perceptions about teaching