As elementary school teachers, our roles are varied and diverse, yet our time to master single topics or expertise is minimal since we're called to keep up with a large number of content areas, teaching strategies, and cognitive research points.
As a leader of elementary school teachers, how do you direct your staff? What do you think of this generalist role? Is it the best way to teach children today, or should we move towards roles with greater definition?
Elementary teachers have the ability to be holistic and interdisciplinary--we can weave learning standards and student needs together in meaningful learning endeavor that builds community and investment, yet at times our lack of time or access puts some students' needs and desires on a waiting list for when time allows. Currently my students who are hungry for greater invention and scientific discovery are on that list--this is an area of need and interest, yet one that is buried beneath many standards in math and ELA.
I will continue to think about this question as I set goals for future discovery, learning and mastery. In the meantime, what are you thoughts about the questions posed?
