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

4. TEACHER BOOK CLUB THESIS reSEARCH

5. Teacher Book Club Parker Palmer’s “ Spiritual Call to Action” Go Public Live Undivided Create a Community of Congruence Dialogue Around Important Ideas

6. “ Mindset Group” 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?

11. TEACHER BOOK CLUB THESIS reSEARCH

12. Research Questions Why do teachers teach? What is the goal of education ? Why are teachers so distressed and so in need of renewal ?

13. Why do teachers teach?

14. “ There is no word in the language I revere more than teacher . My heart sings when a kid refers to me as his teacher... I’ve honored myself, and my whole family, by becoming one.” ~Pat Conroy

15. In a Public Agenda SURVEY of 1000 teachers 96% f “ love teaching”

16. In a Public Agenda SURVEY of 1000 teachers 72% f “ contributing to society… helping others.”

17. 1000 teachers 65% F chose the words… “ passion” “mission” In a Public Agenda SURVEY of

18. What is the GOAL of Education?

19. The GOAL of Education is to meet the NEEDS of… CHILDREN SOCIETY

20. not the filling of a vessel.” ~Plutarch “ Education is the kindling of a flame ,

21. self-discovery connection among souls natural developmental stages organic unfolding authentic spirit make meaning of experience HOLISTIC awakening inherent capacities find own calling draw forth divine formative forces self-realization

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

23. The GOAL of Education is to meet the NEEDS of… CHILDREN SOCIETY

24. “ Education should seek harmony between the organic needs of human development and the rational requirements of the social contract .” ~ Rousseau

25. A Nation at Risk - 1983 A Nation Prepared - 1986 National Board for Professional Teaching - 1986 What Matters Most - 1996 To Touch the Future - 1999 NO CHILD LEFT BEHIND - 2002 Standards & Assessments Culture Highly Qualified Teacher

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

27. The GOAL of Education is to meet the NEEDS of… CHILDREN SOCIETY

28. Why are teachers so in need of renewal ?

29. The GOAL of Education is to meet the NEEDS of… CHILDREN SOCIETY TEACHERS

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?

37. TEACHER BOOK CLUB THESIS RESEARCH

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

42. Mining Hearts and Minds Borrowing Stories INTERVIEWS

43. What is the VALUE of Mindset Meetings? “ a sense of optimism, energy, & depth.” “ share & encourage…” “… affirming… inspiring … surprising.” “… personal reflection.” “all fired up!” “ We validate each other.” “… express… really listen…” “… make changes.” “… really know & appreciate colleagues.” “… take risks.” “I feel safe!”

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

47. The GOAL of Education is to meet the NEEDS of… CHILDREN SOCIETY TEACHERS

48. “ Because of those meetings, I feel more hopeful and optimistic about my teaching and about our school. j I feel totally accepted , as an expert teacher and a worthy colleague, by everyone there. j I feel like we share a common vision within the group, and I am excited by what this ‘gathering of the minds’ has given me… and for our prospects for the future. j I feel like I’m regaining control .” ~ Betty

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

53. LEADERSHIP is “Teaching Writ Large” Educators & Leaders of equal dedication & expertise populate schools all across America.

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