My focus has temporarily shifted in the last few days away from my portfolio, to the culminating project proposal that we have recently been assigned to write. My sense initially is that I'm pushing myself, but at this point I don't really really know. For the project I'm planning on trying to start the roots of a network of teachers for my subject area. I know there are already these networks out there, but for the most part what I've seen are big discussion boards for lesson plans and resources. I want to create a network of collaboration. I'm looking for a small group of teachers to occasionally plan with, have students partner with students, and function as an audience for our independent work. My goal is to get five teachers and their students to join and participate in this network.
This is the part where I feel I've bit off more than I can chew. First, I don't have any contacts. For me right now I'm a bit unsure of how to make them. The second part I see as a challenge is that some place is going to need to serve as our networks hub, and I'm guessing a big part of that is going to fall on my shoulders.
I have a couple of leads:
1. Langwitches Around the World in 80 Schools
I'm going to need to scour this list for potential contacts and perhaps send out some emails.
2. I take students to D.C. at the end of the year, and the company I travel with also employs a lot of teachers of middle school students, so I'm hoping they can help me out, but we'll see.
3. I know a few people in schools in the area, who can hopefully point me in the direction of teachers of like mind and curriculum.
By a few people in schools in the area, I'm mostly talking about my wife and you, reader. If you know a teacher of social studies in your school with maybe 7th or 8th grade students, I would appreciate your help. Or even if you have a cousin who knows a guy, who gets his hair cut by a lady, who has a son, who goes to a school with a social studies teacher who would be interested I would still appreciate the lead.
You could email me any information to jmsymes@wolfmail.stritch.edu
Thanks for your help, or at least reading.
hilarious Jason, by the way I love your blog layout it makes it very inviting. Looks like you have taken a lot of time setting things up, congrats.
ReplyDeleteHilarious, but true. Right now I'm feeling like the scouting of participants into my little project is going to be the most difficult part of the task for me. I have a few ideas in mind, but any help from others would be appreciated.
ReplyDeleteJason, I know that you are not really sure where you are going and I can honestly relate to that. With that said... it does look like you have some options of where to go and to people who might be able to shine some light on the matter for you. Also you should take comfort in knowing that you are not alone in this big boat. I too am feeling overwhelmed. Look into your resources I'm sure something will come to you. Good luck!
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