More than 40 educators from districts across the Houston region -- and two from New York City -- completed Houston A+ Challenge's 40-hour New Coach Training course for Critical Friends in August.
Critical Friends Groups provide an avenue for teachers and school leaders to collaborate to deepen their knowledge of academic subject matter, examine and hone their teaching practices, and plan for whole-school change.
Teacher Gina Horn (Creekwood Middle School, Humble ISD) pointed out that as schools work toward whole-school improvement, educators must turn their focus toward teacher collaboration.
"This week has shown us the nuts and bolts of how to do meaningful group work, how to not operate in silos," Horn said. "It's been awesome. I feel very empowered through this training."
Sarah Adams, who teaches at a charter school for boys in Brooklyn, said she and a coworker came to Houston for the training, because Houston A+ Challenge is one of the few locations nationwide offering the unique course this summer.
"We used protocols for teacher meetings at my school last year, but this training has helped me understand why they are so important for building relationships and making effective use of time," Adams said. "Everyone gets a chance to talk, which helps everyone get invested in the work -- and the idea that we're all here to help each other learn."
