"Anyone in the education field would benefit from reading this book. Ron Nash expertly weaves in case studies illustrating the topic of each chapter. He has inspired me to continue to focus on improvement in my school." —Jill Broaddus, Principal Cool Spring Elementary, Leesburg, VA Elevate your team′s attitude from "whatever" to "whatever it takes" Seasoned educator Ron Nash shares the results of his visits to schools where "we will do better" has replaced "whatever" as the official mantra. His findings will inspire school staff members to embark on their own continuous improvement journeys and model that experience for their students. This book provides a framework for individual reflection and evaluation of schools′ processes as part of a professional development program. Ideally, all staff members will be on board. But even with less than 100% support, each person can make a difference. The results speak for themselves: Inspired and empowered staff members Active classrooms with engaged students who enjoy school A customer service-oriented culture where parents feel welcome and valued A schoolwide commitment to sustaining improvement efforts Included are strategies, action items, processes, and examples from successful programs nationwide. From the classroom to the lunchroom, students learn from those around them. By modeling commitment, self-renewal, and persistence in the face of difficulties, we are teaching skills that will serve students well in adulthood.

Ron Nash shows how to replace “whatever” with “whatever it takes” through this professional development program focused on individual reflection. Includes examples from successful schools nationwide.

There's an intangible and invisible market place within our lives today where the products traded are four fold: attention, distraction, data and meaning. The stories and examples within Consider demonstrate that the best decisions, insights, ideas and outcomes result when we make sufficient time to think and reflect.

The connections between reflective practice and professional development are the focus for this book, which offers guidance to support lasting change and provides strategies to enable self-initiated professional development. The book includes: - traditional approaches to reflective practice - how to enhance the effectiveness of reflective practice - putting reflective practice in context - how reflective practice can improve attainment for students and staff - an Appendix of useful resources. With case studies and examples of relective practice from trainee teachers and from students studying across a range of Education courses, this book equips the reader to develop their own reflective practice framework. Relevant also to practitioners working across the children′s workforce, it encourages personal and professional development for the whole range of professionals working in education and care. Peter Tarrant is a Teaching Fellow at the Moray House School of Education, University of Edinburgh.

"Wouldn't it be wonderful to meet all the stresses of modern life with calm and composure? This insightful guide shows you how to meditate in a variety of ways that appeal to all the senses. From quick mini-meditations to learning how to use scent and sound to transport yourself into another state of mind, there is plenty to try for those seeking daily peace and harmony. Learn how to work with chakras and energy to clear your mind and access deep meditation, with all the benefits that it imparts. You can walk the path to serenity and enjoy blissful, mind-expanding experiences"--Back cover.

"A tool box overflowing with ideas that will help every staff developer craft a school culture hospitable to adult and student learning." —Roland S. Barth, Author, Lessons Learned "The book speaks to many audiences, including instructional coaches, PLC leaders, action researchers and group leaders, and university professors working with action researchers and PLCs." —Gail Ritchie, Coleader, Teacher Researcher Network Fairfax County Public Schools, VA "A terrific resource for connecting teacher networks and action research to create powerful professional development opportunities. This book is a joy to read." —Ellen Meyers, Senior Vice President Teachers Network Powerful tools for facilitating teachers′ professional development and optimizing school improvement efforts! Professional learning communities (PLCs) and action research are popular and proven frameworks for professional development. While both can greatly improve teaching and learning, few resources have combined the two practices into one coherent approach. The Reflective Educator′s Guide to Professional Development provides educators with strategies, activities, and tools to develop inquiry-oriented PLCs. Nationally known school reform experts Nancy Fichtman Dana and Diane Yendol-Hoppey cover the ten essential elements of a healthy PLC, provide case studies of actual inquiry-based PLCs, and present lessons learned to help good coaches become great coaches. With this step-by-step guide, readers will be able to: Organize, assess, and maintain high-functioning, inquiry-oriented PLCs Facilitate the development of study questions Establish the trust and collective commitment necessary for successful action research Enable PLC members to develop, analyze, and share research results Lead successful renewal and reform efforts By combining two powerful training practices, coaches, workshop leaders, and staff developers can ensure continuous, robust school-based professional development.