One of the core values in the Portrait of a Teacher is to seek and use resources available through community and local institutions to actively build partnerships that enhance instruction and learning.
During one of my observations, the teachers demonstrated their cooperation with outside organizations and with each other. Prior to class, the teachers joined together to plan a lesson in which students would rotate classes and work on projects related to a current event.
The teachers worked together to implement the lesson plans and meet the needs of individual learners. Each of the projects was related to helping people and animals impacted by the Australia wild fires.
I'm going to volunteer this weekend at a local soup kitchen with my mom. Do any of you want to come with us?
Collaborating with the community including teachers within the school as well as institutions outside the school sets a good example for the students. This can be used to build an important part of the foundation for a democratic classroom and contextualized learning environment.
This activity allowed for students to: learn in a way that relates to the world, interact with different groups of students, and learn from various teachers who each have created a lesson based on their own unique skillset and knowledge.
When teachers incorporate current events, democratic practices, collaboration, and cooperation, students carry these values with them throughout the present and future time.