Inspire


Interim CEO of LNS Says Teacher-Learning Networks Position School System for Success

"If it's for the student, it's the right thing to do."

Ann Perron, Chief Student Achievement Officer

By Roderick Benns
Editor

In her remarks at a recent education symposium, the interim CEO for the Literacy and Numeracy Secretariat, Ann Perron, said teacher-learning networks promise success for the province's education system.

Perron spoke to the hundreds of educators, principals and supervisory officers who were taking part in the July 2008 two-day Symposium, Building Networks for Learning. The symposium featured a host of special guest speakers and small-group sessions, a format that proved effective for participants.

"Powerful learning occurs in a community of practice," Perron said. "Teacher-learning networks work when they have a clear purpose and focus."

Perron noted that the characteristics of healthy and purposeful work are seen in a community of practice.

"There is mutual trust and a humility that no matter what role we play there is a sense of moral purpose that drives the emergence of ideas."

The Secretariat leader noted that "members are present in this community of practice, both for their own needs and the needs of others."

Acknowledging that boards need help to build internal capacity, Perron said the creation of teacher-learning networks will go a long way to delivering such results. At the same time, "individuals need to be equipped with skills, to determine strengths and areas that require improvement."

This also involves encouraging a deeper understanding and implementation of instructional strategies to support and enhance student learning, she added.

Perron also observed the importance of the so-called "soft skills."

"Trust, high expectations, clear focus, strong relationships, shared relationships, accountability, fostering introspection, reflection and analysis, strong planning and supporting capacity building," are all indicative of working toward more successful outcomes, she said.

Touching on the theme of lifelong learning, Perron noted that great educators "choose to learn forever."

"Educators assume a position of responsibility when they choose to teach others."

Perron received spontaneous acknowledgement from the crowd when she noted that in competing priorities, it's important not to lose sight of the end goal – the student.

"If it's for the student, it's the right thing to do."

She ended her presentation with a well-received observation from Michelangelo Buonarroti, a quote Deputy Minister Steve Marshall used in his blog of June 12, 2008.

"The greater danger for most of us lies not in setting our aim too high and falling short; but in setting our aim too low, and achieving our mark."