Constructing Community
I read a book over the summer about architecture and buildings. I found it interesting how the foundation of a structure is poured and established within a relatively quick period of time, whereas the actual construction of the building can take a substantial period of time… and then essentially, it can appear that the new structure was finished over night!
What does this have to do with class? Building on foundations.
As I read the Palmer article, it made me reflect on my own personal journey over these last 6 months. (Has it only been 6 months??) In using his stages of a movement, I see that the first stage of personal growth was largely what I experienced during Maymester. No other point challenged me to the degree that I was challenged by those 3 weeks. During the summer, I entered the beauty of the second stage — experiencing community with like-minded people who were equally and mutually encouraging and committed to becoming educators, passionate to effect change.
The summer established a foundation — we were personally and corporately challenged. We learned more about ourselves as individuals and developed respect and appreciation for each other, establishing the sense of community.
And now, we build… Stage 3 — the period where we choose to engage in the social and political arena, expanding the discussion to include other voices outside of our community, and being willing to be challenged by ideas different than our own. This is the time of building upon the foundation that has been forged, and to begin the real work of constructing the vision of change.
This stage is going to demand more from ourselves than we have given up to this point… but if we are faithful and focused, we can gain much from each other. Not only are we building something new, but maybe in this period we can also seek to build up, encourage, and support each other, as well… It may take time, but the rewards will be well worth the effort — the work is not only for us, but for the hope of generations to come.
on October 10th, 2008 at 8:32 pm
I never looked at it that way, but yeah it’s like we are having our little own movement in this program. We all care about education and we are trying to do our part to contribute and change the existing conditions.
on October 12th, 2008 at 3:06 pm
Allison,
I really like what you wrote – and you wrote it so eloquently! Now that we are getting the field experience, it is easy to see the pieces to the puzzle fitting together like you described. It’s amazing how far we have all come in such a short amount of time. It makes me really excited for next year when we have our own classes!
See you tomorrow,
Emily
on October 15th, 2008 at 11:47 am
Ali,
I, too, so agree with how you eloquently stated our stage of development. I think the key to our making a difference is to staying plugged in with one another so that we don’t lose sight of the big picture. The day-to-day drama that is elementary school with the teacher drama and comments can suck you into the vortex. I want to stay focused on the big picture and do my part. – Kelley