A review of 2022 and an interview with Bob Garmston and Carolyn McKanders
January 2023 Newsletter
As we begin a new year, we thought we would take a moment to reflect on 2022 - the topics we covered, the videos that captured attention, and the people we've connected with.
We also cover new ground in our impactful interview with Bob Garmston and Carolyn McKanders who share invaluable insight into tools to not only improve teacher meetings, but that are useful in all our interactions.
As you look ahead, be sure to check our upcoming open course opportunities - both in-person and virtually.
Happy New Year!
A Look at 2022
Top Blogs Posts
To See the Soul of a School, Look at Common Planning Time
How Leaders Can Support Teams that are Proficient at Using Time, Talk, and Structure
Clarity: Checking for Understanding: Frequent Use of Signals and Total Group Response
A variety of teachers in various grade levels use signals, white boards, and other devices for constant checking for understanding across all students.
These six chapters make the case that digging deeply into one's content and analyzing the ideas in that content produces better lessons, if one takes the time to do it.
Assessment: Encouragement and Advice - High School Art
In this video, Ms. Seibold demonstrates giving suggestions and building student confidence during instruction in a series of vignettes with individual students in her ceramics class. This video does not show pure feedback, but a blend of suggestions, encouragement and feedback.
Clarity: The Impact of Framing the Learning - Middle School
In Lynchburg, VA RBT had several in-district instructors trained very thoroughly by RBT Consultant, Ruth Sernak. This video was filmed during the third year of our program and many teachers have been through the course. Their testimony is based on the improvements in their teaching that have come about based on their participation.
We spoke with five amazing educators this past year who shared important insights into teaching, leading, and learning. Revisit the interviews below.
2022-23 Skillful Teacher Video Contest
Submit videos by March 1, 2023
RBT would like to recognize and share the outstanding work of teachers across the country who are working hard to put into practice the skills from The Skillful Teacher in order to provide their students with better teaching every day.
If you want to showcase your skillful teaching or that of a colleague, submit a video for a chance to win a visit with Jon Saphier.
This month, RBT Founder Jon Saphier interviews Robert Garmston and Carolyn McKanders about their work around the goal of increasing the quality of collaboration in schools to produce benefits for students.
The interview contains invaluable concrete nuggets with scripts for handling strong feelings and difficult moments in meetings and workshops as well as many other points of wisdom that can be generalized beyond the meeting setting.
