I enjoy utilizing what I've learned in this course in my internship
course. Last night we discussed several techniques to use in order to
improve the skills of teachers. The acronym COWBIRDS flitted through
my mind today while orienting a new teacher to our school, who has
been in the field for many years. Though she has a vast skill set she
isn't comfortable with the newer teaching methodology and
automatically reverted to her comfort zone. While talking to her there
were moments where she seemed almost stubborn in her ways, yet she
continued to ask for insight and more sessions. Then it dawned on me
that if I wanted her to succeed I would need to provide her with
opportunities to observe other teachers and that I would need to
observe her and provide constructive criticism. I will also connect
her with a buddy who she can discuss her concerns with and is more
familiar with the grade level.
