THE ACADEMIC CORNER
FISH! philosophy hooks W-WES teachers

Teachers at Washington-Wilkes Elementary School are up to something "fishy" this year in the area of professional learning! All certified personnel at the school are participating in a year long course based on the FISH! Philosophy.

Last spring, WWES teachers expressed to their administrators a need for professional learning that would be inspiring - something that would "welcome them back to the reason they became educators." Teachers also suggested more times for the faculty to get together, have some fun, and enjoy each others' company. When Principal Wanda Jenkins heard about FISH! For Schools from fellow principal Dr. Rosemary Caddell, she knew it would meet the needs of her faculty.

In August, Jenkins invited each teacher at the school to participate in the monthly FISH! sessions. After an initial kickoff celebration which included an introduction to the FISH! way of thinking, 100% percent of the teachers accepted the invitation. In the two sessions that followed, teachers viewed video presentations which introduced the four components of the FISH! Philosophy: Be There, Play, Make Their Day, and Choose Your Attitude.

The past three FISH! sessions have allowed WWES teachers to showcase their leadership skills and their talents. Teachers divided into teams and chose to present one of the four components of the philosophy. Thus far, teams have shared their topics through skits, Power Point presentations, games, and even learning centers for teachers.

As teachers, we must all be there for our students and for each other on a daily basis. When we add the element of play to our work time, we are energized and usually accomplish more. Many of our students depend on us to make their day - something that can be done simply by making a connection, praising an effort, or rewarding a success. Finally, it is up to each individual to choose his attitude, remembering that a good one is contagious, but a negative one is usually destructive.

The four essential ideas of the FISH! Philosophy are derived from the driving forces behind the work ethic of the enthusiastic and highly successful fishmongers of Pike Place Fish in Seattle. Educational materials were developed by ChartHouse International Learning Corporation.

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