Professional Development in the preschool arena includes inspiration from other sites. The New School-West tours our sister schools: Growing Place, Branches, Bright Start, and more. We study the environment and how the teachers and children interact and are often filled with validation, curiosity, and drive to deepen our own work. So whenever we are asked to share our context with other educators, we open the doors with the hope that the work that happens here will inspire. This month, we welcomed teachers from Pilibos, Sinai Akiba and several teachers from different schools throughout South Korea.
Here are some of their reflections:
Getting the opportunity to visit New School West was a truly inspiring and fresh perspective on what it means to be a meaningful and thoughtful early childhood professional. The desire to foster strong and creative individuals was made evident immediately upon exploring the classrooms and listening to the conversations amongst the children and teachers. We are so grateful for the hospitality of Roleen and her team as well as the chance to reflect and learn from one another. The sense of community was felt not only within the classrooms but as a whole school and we thank New School West for the opportunity to be included in that. – Classroom 76 (Nicole, Elonna and Max/Sinai Akiba)
It was a pleasure to see such a warm, homey, and caring environment. Every child was engaged in an activity either independently or with their peers. We noticed that the teachers were fully invested in the children. The school’s environment created an atmosphere full of curious learning and the children were able to use natural and pertinent materials in order to act as important members of society. – Classroom 75 (Michal, Kaitlyn and Wendy/Siani Akiba)
Thank you for supporting our professional development and for inspiring the world around us. –Kristin