AUSSIE

Blog entry posted May 21st, 2010 by Gina Scala

“The best indicator of how strong a new teacher will be in 5 years is determined by what the other teachers in the building” said Dr. Elmore, when stressing how important professionalism, consistency and collaboration are to school culture and quality teachers. On May 20th, over 60 principals and assistant principals gathered at Manhattan College to see Richard Elmore speak on school improvement and his most current research. This day was sponsored by CFN 10 and organized in partnership with AUSSIE Professional Development. Elmore challenged principals to reflect on their greatest challenge as a leader. He also took principals on a journey into various classrooms in order to see what is really going on and analyze how the caliber and approach teacher have can make or break education. In the afternoon Elmore was followed by AUSSIE’s own Sheena Hervey. She helped principals make the connection between Elmore’s work and what they can practically apply in their schools.  Education Director Alice Stabiner said “The workshop was very well received and Sheena and  Dr. Elmore were terrific.  Elmore was passionate about what we need to do to shift our thinking and impact real change in schools. I think that Sheena did a great job aligning her presentation with what Dr. Elmore spoke about concerning instructional leadership.  Sheena made the connection to RTI and core instructional practice for the principals”. One of the biggest take aways from the day according to the attendees was the need to do instructional rounds or learning walks with-in their schools in order to be reflective on the teaching and learning in their schools and proactive about positive change.