“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.” – Margaret Mead
Dear Colleagues,
As the long days of summer rapidly wind down, and the opening of school arrives full of excitement and possibilities, I want to take this opportunity to welcome you back. The start of school is always such an exhilarating time – a time during which the entire school community comes together with the common goal and shared mission of maximizing the teaching and learning that will take place over the next ten months.
To be sure, there is undeniable power in community working together to achieve a common goal. Whether it was the pioneering scientists of the 60s who dared to hurl a human being to the moon, and safely bring him back; or teams of designers and programmers in the 70s and 80s who opened up new worlds of access and knowledge through personal computers and cell phones… real progress has repeatedly emerged out of the synergy of human beings collaboratively working to accomplish a worthy goal.
And so it is in the world of education. Be it the growth that takes place as teachers grapple with problems of practice in Professional Learning Communities, grade level teachers planning and refining lessons of study together, or a teacher and mentor team engaging in the coaching process, the reality is clear; meaningful excellence, both individual and systemic, is largely achieved through collaboration.
We are extremely fortunate at the ART of TEACHING in that each year brings us new opportunities to support the growth of an expanding group of thoughtful committed teachers and administrators as they set out to achieve excellence on behalf of children. This year, we are pleased to collaborate with you and the hundreds of educators of the ART of TEACHING network as you pursue excellence in teaching and learning.
We have planned many powerful engaging opportunities for you this year. We look forward to seeing you at your sites and the ART of TEACHING events.
Wishing you and your students the best year ever,
Jerry Harris
Executive Director