The document summarizes the impact of a teacher book club on cultivating renewal and community among teachers. The book club provided autonomy, community, competency, and reflection which met teacher needs. It inspired hope and optimism. Teachers reported feeling accepted, gaining new perspectives, and being excited to make changes to experience personal and professional growth. The reflective discussions validated colleagues and encouraged risk-taking. The book club grew in participation and had a positive influence on school climate and leadership.

2. INSPIRING a sense of RENEWAL Joan Griffin

3. a REFLECTIVE COMMUNITY GROWS from a TEACHER BOOK CLUB

7. Teacher Book Club “ World Café” Conversations That Matter

8. “ Mindset Group”

9. “ Live the questions now. Perhaps, then someday… you will gradually, without even noticing it, live your way into the answer .” ~ Rilke

10. What is the PURPOSE of Education?

13. Why do teachers teach?

18. What is the GOAL of Education?

22. “ To understand LIFE is to understand OURSELVES , and that is both the beginning and the end of EDUCATION .” ~ Krishnamurti

26. “ America needs an educational system in which our children will “fulfill their God-given potential… and live out their dreams… and our workers will out-compete the world… and our economy will grow.” ~ Barack Obama

28. Why are teachers so in need of renewal ?

30. “ We become teachers for reasons of the heart . d But often, as time goes by, we lose heart . d How can we take heart , alone and together, d so we can give heart - which is what good teachers do?” ~ Parker Palmer

31. NEEDS of TEACHERS Autonomy Community Competency Reflection

32. COMMUNITY

33. AUTONOMY

34. COMPETENCY

35. REFLECTION

36. Reflect back to your school days… Was there a teacher who inspired you, who had a positive impact on you?

38. A Reflective Community

39. “ My teaching will never be the same!” ~ Maggie Meeting #1

40. “ I think we can start working with our students in this way, even while we’re working on our inner ,, selves .” ~ Doug Meeting #1

41. “ I just discovered I work with the most amazing people … smart and deep.” ~ Michelle Meeting #1

44. LEARNING, INSIGHTS, and P ersonal C hanges “ I find myself being more of a self-observer , experimenting and watching… “ There’s an awareness of what thoughts are coming out of my mouth and their impact… and an awareness of others , too, that has developed into a real appreciation and connection to them… “ I find I am seeking out more learning for myself… it’s caused me to read more books, too.” ~ Doug

45. LEARNING, INSIGHTS, and P ersonal C hanges “ It’s not about technique or methods-- It’s about self-reflection . I’m really looking at my personal and professional goals … and deciding to make changes … with this new support group to help me!” ~Diane “ I feel inspiration for personal growth … It’s been kind of like a virus--the ideas spread, taking you over, and then you pass them along.” ~ Eleanor

46. A Reflective Community Meets Teacher NEEDS Autonomy Community Competency Reflection

49. INSPIRING a sense of RENEWAL : a REFLECTIVE COMMUNITY GROWS from a TEACHER BOOK CLUB

50. “ When you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it.” ~Palo Coelho

52. LEGACY LEGACY 2009-2010 Plans Growing 16 Colleagues 4 Books

54. School climate Invitation Stamp of Approval Hands off Leadership Hold Space Establish Form Community Relationships Dialogue Meaningful Ideas Administration       Change Action Growth

55. Build it, and they will come. ~ Shoeless Joe, Field of Dreams Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has. ~ Margaret Mead