Developing Our Identities “We don’t see things as they are, we see them as we are.” ~Anais Nin Leah Zufall

Norms Courtesy  Be on time  Cell phones on silent, vibrate, or off  Be mindful of side- bar conversations  Focus on the task at hand Collaborative  Promote a sense of inquiry  Frame meaningful questions  Pay attention of self and others  Assume positive intentions  Be reflective

Participants will…  Develop our individual and collective identities as EC Lead Teachers  Build capacity as collaborators based on our work together  Increase awareness of our role as EC Leads and the possibilities for future growth

 Who am I as a person?  What characteristics do I possess as an effective educator, facilitator, and coach? Individual Identity “In order to have a conversation, you must reveal yourself.” ~James Baldwin

Give One to Get One  Write on 3x5 card: 1. NAME and SCHOOL 2. “A characteristic that effective EC teachers possess in supporting students is… 3. “A quality I possess that makes my role as EC Lead Teacher more effective is…” 4. “A belief I have about adult learners is…”  Find another person in the room to share the information on the card. Paraphrase and inquire so that you can share your partner’s card with someone new.  When signaled, trade cards.  Find a new partner, share the new card and info. acquired.

Everyday Leadership Our frame of mind as EC Lead Teachers

Collective Identity “Everyone desires relationships and community. Most people want to belong to a cohesive, like minded group. It staves off loneliness. It promotes identity. These are natural and very human instincts.” ~Joshua Ferris

Clarifying Our Identity

Building a Foundation A mission statement is a sentence or two that describes who you are and the difference the group wants to make. When you and other group members draft the statement, boldly state what you hope to be rather than simply describing what you are now. It can be helpful to address the following three questions in the statement:  Why are we here?  What do we believe?  What do we do?

Mission Statement Design Example: Forever Families believes all children deserve a permanent family. We are committed to improving the way the child welfare system serves children and families and will advocate for necessary changes at the local, provincial, and federal level.  Why are we here?—to improve the way the child welfare system serves children and families  What do we believe?—all children deserve a permanent family  What do we do?—advocate for changes in policies and practices at the local, provincial, and federal level CCS: We value, teach, empower each student in a culture of educational excellence. Tips for Developing a Mission Statement Groups can:  identify a strong writer with good organizational skills to lead the statement development  Suggest any words or phrases that reflect the group's possible identity, beliefs, and actions; write every statement down on a flip chart and don't critique anything at this stage

Corners

Questions to Ponder  How do your beliefs and behaviors effect your role as an EC Lead Teacher?  What does your role in the school(s) you serve look like now? How can your role be changed or enhanced in the future based on today’s conversations?  What word or phrase would you use to describe your learning today?