Two principals from London joined the Greater New Orleans Fellowship's School Visits Trip (SVT) to Houston this fall.
by Beth Kobel, Vice Principal, Preston Manor School, London, UK
This year I have had the opportunity to visit inner city American schools to gather good practice
happening in effective schools. Our time in Houston allowed for an opportunity to join a
Leading Educators School Visits Trip (SVT) designed for their Fellows. The experience was fantastic! From the very beginning, it was clear that
this was going to be a highly organized and
effective three days.
At each of the schools visited, we were able to experience a variety of events including: lesson observations, meetings with teaching staff and administration, learning about their induction programs and staff development opportunities, interviewing panels of students, observing student government classes, and visiting
spirit assemblies. Every school was very
welcoming, highly organized, provided
extensive
information and answered any
questions.
What was an especially valued added bonus, was
visiting these schools with highly
professional and enthusiastic middle leaders from New Orleans. Seeing the
schools through their eyes and listening to their high level of conversation
was a fantastic opportunity to learn
so much about what we were observing in the context of culture.
Leading Educators
has designed the SVT exceptionally well. At the end of each day their are structured opportunities to share good
practice, review the evidence gathered to demonstrate various 'levers', as well as begin planning for how this practice might impact on their home schools.
There were so many practical examples to influence our practice on both
individual and whole school levels. One thing that I will take away from this visit is the positive
impact they are having by dedicating a significant amount of time and resources
to staff development. In every school the commitment to making this a priority
was evident in its culture, consistency, structure and timetable. Thank you for
this opportunity - It really was inspiring!