Thank you

I want to take the time to thank each of my colleges. You input is very helpful in helping me building my professionalism. Over this course I have truly learned about the ways that I communicate and ways that I can communicate even better. This course will always be relevant in my life and how I interact with everyone in my live. The last 8 weeks has definitely improved my communication and collaboration skills for many years to come.

Adjourning Phase

One of the hardest groups for me to say good-bye to was my sorority sisters. We had worked so hard on so many different projects together and been to so many functions together. It was extremely hard to step away and know that we were starting a new phase in our lives. Of all the the sorority sisters that I had, the closest ones were the hardest to leave behind, knowing that I was moving across the country and I would be able to see them everyday like I had the years prior.

Another group that was hard for me to leave was my kindergarten teachers. The teachers that I had taught with and we had successfully revamped a failing program into a thriving one. We had worked so hard together but eventually it was time for us to part ways and head to different grade levels to start over again.

I had a hard time leaving both of these groups for very different reasons. I think that my sorority sisters were the hardest to leave because we also built a friendship and on into a family.  My kindergarten teachers are still in the same building but we don't see each other everyday. We still talk about our jobs and how to do them betters. My sorority sister I don't get to talk to as often. I wish that my sisters and I would have stayed in touch more than we have because I truly value their friendships.

I think that leaving my colleagues that I have gained while working on my masters will be the same as my kindergarten teachers. We will still have that passion that we share and that we can ask each other questions and opinions. I think that adjourning for any group gives everyone closure and and end so that they can have a next step, or new beginning.

Personal Conflict

This year I have moved from kindergarten to 2nd grade along with my co-teacher. We were so excited for the move being told that we needed to help make changes in 2nd grade. When it came to the way that we were going to layout the school year and the topics being taught the way that they had been doing it did not match the way that the school district wanted it. They also had been testing children based on a calendar and not on their class or their students. When we came in with a new perspective some took change well and 2 in particular did not. (There are 8 of us). Instead of excepting the change she wanted to battle it out and that was never our intention. She still to this day has such a hard time listening to new ideas and only wants to do things her way.

After learning about communication this week I think that I am more prepared for our grade level meeting next week. I have learned that I need to go in ready to listen to their concerns instead of just explaining why the new way is better. I will try to see the situation from her side as well as my own and try to come up with the best possible outcome for the students. We might have to compromise on a few of the changes that are being made but eventually will choose what is best for the students. The most important thing is going to be using the 3R's. I tend to get defensive as to why the new way is right when I need to respect that they has been doing this for years and has their own professional opinion.

How would you handle this situation?