Preparing to Return to Africa

Currently in the US, I am working with my colleague Freda to prepare to return to St Jude's for another month of working with teachers and administrators. After our first visit, we left the school faculty with the charge to implement the classroom management, standards-based planning, and active teaching techniques we taught them during training and classroom modeling.

As a part of the ongoing work, I have been sending professional readings and self-guided learning activities for the leadership team to use for on-site self-guided professional development. They are actively moving forward with the work, and I have heard from many on the team, as well as other teachers, with questions and feedback about the work they are accomplishing.

After 20 years of working with schools in America, I did not think anything could suprise me ever again. But, this group of teachers has managed to knock my socks off! The extent of time and effort they put in, and the unguarded trust they bring to the process in which we are asking them to engage has renewed my faith that the years I have dedicated to teaching teachers has all been worth it.

When I return to Tanzania in late March, I will spend two-three weeks observing individual teachers and providing them with direct feedback on the quality of their teaching (big progress in a few months time!), and modeling effective lesson techniques across all grade levels and disciplines. Then, I will have around five additional days to conduct department-specific training sessions (focused on reflecting on lesson planning, exploring classroom evidence of learning, and planning for ongoing integration of new teaching techniques), as well as several days with the leadership team to continue to bolster their skills and efforts to support colleagues and hold them accountable for high quality work.

Looking forward to the sights and sounds of Africa again, and to seeing all of the friends I made at St. Judes. More later, as dates for travel arrive.