A Peek Inside the Classroom

Over the summer I was fortunate to attend a conference in Philadelphia, Leading the Effective Middle School, offered through Independent School Management (ISM). It was a week-long event, filled with so much learning and countless opportunities to connect with other educators. During a session focused on professional development I was introduced to Pablo Casals, the world-renowned cellist, composer, and conductor. One of the things I loved about him was his outlook on the need to always be learning. When asked why he continued to practice the cello at age 90, he replied, “because I think I'm making progress.” Even as an accomplished musician, he recognized the importance of continually honing his craft.  

At Oakhill, we share a similar philosophy. We understand the importance of continually working to improve and lifelong learning. Each year, faculty take part in a wide range of professional development experiences. From larger scale events, like conferences and speakers, to smaller, more in-house opportunities, faculty growth and development is an integral part of being an Oakhill teacher. 

One of the in-house professional development opportunities for teachers is our year-long evaluation process. In the fall, each faculty member engages in a formal lesson evaluation. A time for an observation is scheduled with their division director and after the lesson, the teacher and director meet to review a written reflection of the lesson, discussing commendations, recommendations, and questions to consider. As the division director for the intermediate and middle school faculty, I look forward to this process each year. I enjoy getting to spend dedicated time with each teacher, watching them shine and do what they do best! The conversations that follow are equally rewarding, celebrating all of the great things that happened during the lesson and exploring ideas for continued professional growth. 

I’ve just wrapped up this year’s evaluations and wanted to pass along to you some of the amazing things I got to see happening in the classroom. I was able to see fourth grade students add adverbs to personal narratives they had written. I also watched fourth grade students describe and define different landforms, like plateau and island and ocean. In fifth grade I travelled with both classes to the Industrial Revolution and looked at inventions during that time that helped make life easier. Sixth grade wowed me with their novel study discussion-there were some high level questions being asked! Not only was I impressed with their Comm Arts skills, but I got to see them working through steps to solve pre-algebraic problems. As a bonus, I watched them conduct a hands-on science experiment. Seventh graders explored Feudalism with a role playing activity and I don’t think I’ll ever not be impressed with the challenging math equations eight graders are able to solve.

The learning doesn’t stop outside of the core classrooms. In art class, students learned about form and how it enhances drawings. During music class a discussion on verse and chorus was informative and fun. My time in PE saw students reviewing how to properly throw and catch a football. Students in tech created an imaginary thing that they were going to bring to life through a new program taught. Spanish students focused for a couple of weeks on Global Thread and had a great discussion on things that they prefer, and why. 

Witnessing all of this learning reminds me just how special our community is. Our students are engaged, curious, and eager to grow. Our teachers are committed to guiding them with expertise, enthusiasm, and care. From core academics to the special classes, each and every classroom offered a glimpse into the meaningful work happening each day at Oakhill. I am grateful for the chance to observe these moments and even more grateful for the dedicated educators who make them possible. Together, we continue to make progress, just like Casals modeled, by embracing growth, celebrating learning, and striving each day to be just a little better than the day before.