Well, we ZOOM, of course (in increments, because we're only allowed 40-minute sessions for free).
And, we also do it two days in a row because not everyone could meet on the first proposed date.
That is teaching. That is a love for what we are doing. That is dedication.
Last night, teachers discussed their school years so far and what they've already implemented in their classrooms. There's something magical about sharing what works and doesn't work, especially with motivated educators who are doing the best they can for their students. The chat room was active, Google docs grew with resources, and the C3WP resources were in full force.
Special to the work, however, was leadership that came from Julie Roneson and Kristin Veneema. They each shared ways they've used tools from the resources and moved their students forward with argumentative writing (Hey, wait. Can you share that with the rest of us? Yes. NWP has it online).
The teachers are in varying phases of argumentation (some with district mandates calling for argumentative writing that sometimes counters the great work we accomplished this summer), but all are quick to adapt, apply, and achieve. Whenever like-minded individuals join forces, it's easy to say, "Oh, man. I wish we all taught in the same school."
Ah, but we don't...and we have ZOOM as a tool to bring us together (it's early in the year, too. I only saw one glass of wine on a Tuesday).
It was wonderful to hear from all the participating teachers and to feel, digitally, the excitement that grew from sharing ideas with one another. The majority of them reported, "I've never attended a meeting like this before. It sure beats traffic."
Yes, I-95. You remain the curse of our network, indeed. If only you moved more that two miles an hour with your to and from NYC traffic. Jeez.
I think, however, we've figured out a wonderful way to stay connected and to make this work.
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