La Grande JAM

(Image courtesy of Pixabay - no attribution required) Change is a long term and complex process.  It is not an event. The current context in British Columbia's education system is one overflowing with change.  As of 2016, BC's K-9 new curriculum was officially implemented.  2019 should see the full implementation of the Graduation program.  Assessment frameworks are changing and new reporting standards are being posted as I write.  In 2015, the Ministry replaced BCeSIS with the MyEdBC student database and as many will recall, the transition did not go smoothly.  In my school district, we have implemented a new tech platform called "Scholantis" as of 2016 which replaced a system that had been in place for over a decade and was familiar and effective for staff; the new system is less so.   All this change is, in my opinion, impacting ongoing teacher professional development.  When multiple initiatives are being implemented at once, teachers feel overwhelmed with ch

(Image courtesy of Pinterest "Top 10 teacher quotes") HOW DO I LEARN NOW??? This question is easy for me to answer.  Since the beginning of my career, I have experienced many different learning journeys to keep my skills current.  For example, I did formal learning through graduate work at SFU and currently am enrolled in this TL diploma program at UBC.  I have always participated in school based pro-d activities and local PLN on topics of personal interest (especially if there was a promise of a free book).  I have attended major conferences in both Canada and the US and subscribe to many professional associations such as BCSSTA, BCTAML, BCTELA, CUEBC, ACPI, BCLCA, NCSST, etc.  I have done Ministry work first in the field of Social Studies as a 20th Century History 12 curriculum consultant, then as a Trial Writer of Provincial Exams as well as a marker for over 10 years.  Marking exams was amazing prod and a great opportunity to network with other teachers.  More rec