As we’ve discussed, there are pros and cons to the TIW I experienced. I think that there might be a benefit to do the TIW in another way. We were so used to having these intimate TIW during our ECLI classes. I think what would be beneficial to either do it in this manner or to invite more teachers to the workshop. It was challenging to have undergrad students with little to no experience. I felt that I got valuable feedback from previous ECLI teachers and current teachers. So, I think more of a mix of teachers vs. non teachers for an experience like this.
The experience as a whole, sharing my practice with other people, was educational and informative. I felt like we had some good guidelines for what we needed to do, and some ideas on what to expect. The pacing was very difficult because although I had an outline and idea of what each activity would entail, I did not practice beforehand (I didn’t have the opportunity or audience to do so). As I would in my classroom, I adapted as I needed with the timing and pacing. It was interesting to see how a lesson would go with adults versus my middle school students. It was valuable to have my plants there from ECLI (past/present), and my friends that came as well.
Lastly, and I’m sure you’ll hear this from all of us, but I think it would be important to dedicate time to seeing every TIW from our ECLI group. I think this would be valuable for everyone for a variety of reasons. I value the opinions of the people in our group, and I’m extremely interested in what each person had to say and do for their TIW’s. Overall, this was a great experience and I learned a lot about myself as a teacher and the people around me.
ECLInstitute - HVWP 2019-2020 
As you mentioned here, presenting PD is not easy. However, good ideas have a way of spreading. I think your workshop was a great idea, and even if it seemed awkward with the teachers-to-be, know that just like in a classroom, you were planting a seed. The hope is that the work settles in their thoughts and becomes something they can pull out when they student teach or gain their own classrooms.
I also hear you when it comes to practicing beforehand. That is a key element for my own success in PD. If i can’t meet up with another HVWP person to do a run-through, I’ll ask kids to stay after school so I can use them as a practice before I do workshops with kids. They usually get a kick out of being my guinea pigs, and really enjoy giving me feedback about timing, work, etc. (and they are usually right on!).
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