We’ve spent a lot of time recently talking with educators about professional learning. Professional learning that may include reading, thinking, and growing. The most often voiced concern is lack of time. We totally get this. Educators are incredibly busy. Anyone who has ever taught knows the thousands of decisions, questions, answers, and so on that are part and parcel of being a teacher and with which a teacher is challenged every single day.
What, then, is the first step to find the time to read, think, and grow?
Decide it’s important.
That may sound trite and cliche. It’s not intended to be either. But it is tough to argue that when one decides it is important to find the time….the time can be found.
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Author: Jnelson
Jeff Nelson
Fife School District
Assistant Superintendent:Teaching-Learning-Innovation
39 years as an educator.
16 years teacher
3 years assistant principal
12 years principal
8 years Assistant Superintendent
BA, Washington State University
MAEd, Washington State University
Previous member of AWSP Legislative Committee
Previous member of UW Tacoma PEAB, Administrative Certification
Established and maintained Fife’s first website for 7 years
Present work includes establishing the first Teaching/Learning/Innovation department in the Fife School District. Examples of responsibilities include: teacher/administrator professional development, assessment, TPEP, curriculum/materials review, 24 credit requirement, technology levy leadership, teacher/administrator bargaining.
Initiatives underway in Fife, as a result of new TLI Department: AVID, OER, Curriculum and Materials reviews, Student Perception Pilot with CSTP, Google Expedition
Cofounder of Educational Internet Communications, LLC. Marketed and sold one of the first online grade checking programs in the US. Consulted with Seattle Educational Internet Company for 2 years.
jnelson@fifeschools.com
twitter.com/jeffnelsonTLI
View all posts by Jnelson
The Lighting of a Fire 
Yup. Lack of time is real and huge. However, I think it is important, more than ever, for educators to keep current. I agree, that once we decide something is important, time can be found (ask anyone in a new relationship!).. I also think it is important for educators to advocate for time in their work day/week/month/year for not just professional development days (events) but for professional reading, thinking and growing as well.
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Brilliant post and excellent comment! Time is a difficult thing to find in many professions, but if someone chooses to believe in the power of professional learning, how it is a MUST to stay relevant, current, innovative, inspiring, and what’s best for students, then you can find TIME. Reading, thinking, reflecting, tweeting, blogging, growing…they are are crucial to the success of education. Let’s keep it up and find that time!
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