We Get What We Model!

After annotating Chapter 4 of Culterize by Jimmy Casas (a must-read), Melissa Yow and Dan Keyser led us through a carousel writing activity. At a writing reflection spot, our group contemplated the quote, “We Get What We Model.” 

We get what we model - it quickly became my new mantra. It made me stop in my tracks, take full ownership, and profoundly reflect on what we truly model for all learners - students, teachers, families, and community.

If we want to see rich, highly engaging discussions from students and also more solution-based, pro-student discussions from teachers, how are we modeling that?

1. How are our faculty learning sessions modeling this behavior/belief for teachers, students, and families?

One of the ways we are reaching this goal at Horning Middle School is by having teachers read, annotate, and think of powerful questions about texts, related to our “Pillars of Practice.”

For example, when we met as a staff at the Retzer Nature Center for school year launch, staff members read articles by Eric Jensen and Pedro Noguera. If we want to have honest conversations and planning around equity and culturally responsive practices, our goal was to first trust and empower teachers to read and reflect more deeply on equity and excellence. 

Our staff then actively participated in Socratic Seminars, prompting each other to interact more deeply with the texts, learn about each other’s perspectives, and begin to trust each other more through the discussion process. Our ultimate goal = having all teachers experience thoughtful reading, questioning, trusting demeanor, high expectations, and learner-based discussions to create transfer into each and every classroom…for all learners.

2. How are we modeling leveraging leadership within our student body in relation to student-led discussions?

One of the ways we are working together toward this goal is by having 7th and 8th grade students teach, advise, and facilitate student-led discussions in our 6th grade classrooms. During these student-led teaching/coaching sessions, the 7th and 8th grade students modeled the discussion and peer feedback, had a panel discussion around informational writing ideas, and then ultimately had a whole class Socratic Seminar. Thank you to Mara Morita, Clair Mitchell, and Maureen Knudson for creating such positive learning environments where this magic happens! 

3. How are we modeling discussions (speaking and listening) with our families and community?

One of the ways we are planning for this is through Family Book Discussion nights. Just last night at HMS, 60 participants (students, families, Waukesha Rotary Club members, and HMS teachers), discussed the rich, poignant story of Pablo Neruda in The Dreamer. One of the most moving questions was from an HMS student, who asked, "I kept thinking the father was going to change. But he didn't. I kept asking myself, 'Why?'" A Waukesha Rotary Club member also discussed the importance of the uncle as a mentor to young Neftali. We could feel the love and humanity in the room.

What do we see and feel around us in our schools? Everything that teachers, students, and families experience is based on what the collective "WE" model. WE get what WE model! What are we modeling? 

Through the three modeling examples listed above, HMS educators are intentionally planning for a strong school that embraces the humanity in all, listening and learning from everyone around us. 

Through these practices, our pillars assemble, strengthen, and have deep roots.