For those of you who teach lower elementary, don't worry, we didn't have to teach the new CMs all about consonant-vowel-consonant words. (Wouldn't that be exciting?) Rather, our job was to lead Core Value Communities along with a staff member. Each CVC was made up of about 20 CMs, 2 ICs, and 1 staff member. *By the way, if you're already alarmed by all these abbreviations, don't worry, I'll put a quick dictionary at the end of this post.
As I would hope most companies do, Teach For America has a mission (to build the movement to eliminate educational inequity by enlisting our nation's most promising future leaders in the effort) and perhaps what you could call a slogan/catch-phrase (One day, all children in this nation will have the opportunity to attain an excellent education). TFA also recruits and selects corps members by looking for evidence of the traits of strong leaders. (See the website for more details on that.)
However, the one thing that is really pretty amazing to me is that not only does TFA have cores values, the core values are the driving force of what we do and reflect how TFA wants individuals and the organization as a whole to operate. The values don't exist just so we can say we have them. Rather, these values exist so that the achievement gap can be closed...and quickly. These values enable us to operate with a sense of urgency that seems only fitting given the circumstances.
The CVCs this past week had several purposes, and the one I'm focusing on here is simply going through and dissecting the core values to figure out exactly what they mean and what they look (and don't look) like.
So, here they are, with their respective abbreviations:
* Relentless pursuit of results (RPR): We assume personal responsibility for achieving ambitious, measurable results in pursuit of our vision. We persevere in the face of challenges, seek resources to ensure the best outcomes, and work toward our goals with a sense of purpose and urgency.
* Sense of possibility (SoPo): We approach our work with optimism, think boldly, and greet new ideas openly.
* Disciplined thought (DT): We think critically and strategically in search of the best answers and approaches, reflect on past experiences and data to draw lessons for the future, and make choices that are deeply rooted in our mission.
* Respect and humility (R&H): We value all who are engaged in this challenging work. We keep in mind the limitations of our own experiences and actively seek out diverse perspectives.
* Integrity: We ensure alignment between our actions and our beliefs, engage in honest self-scrutiny, and do what is right for the broader good.
I have to admit, that even two weeks ago, I am not sure I fully understood the purpose and reason for the core values. In fact, I still do not fully understand them all--they're not easy to live up to, but they are definitely worth striving for as are most great things in life. :) I also really appreciate the fact that these are national values--I am grateful to be part of an organization that espouses these values nationwide, in every corps and in every location.
I also have to stop to acknowledge the fact that I may sound like I've been "indoctrinated" by TFA. Some of you might laugh upon reading this, knowing exactly what I mean; others might be super confused. There's a little-known phenomenon I call "TFAing" someone. The following is an example of how I could TFA someone who I've just seen teach:
Oh my goodness, so-and-so, you showed such great SoPo in the classroom today, and your students are really invested in the big goal. I see your RPR in your data results, and it's clear your students are well on their way to significant gains.
While all of that is truly complimentary, and it should be flattering to hear someone speak so highly of what you are doing in the classroom, there are quite a few buzz words in there that might make the conversation seem a wee bit rehearsed. I TRULY BELIEVE THAT EVERY TEACH FOR AMERICA CORPS MEMBER AND STAFF MEMBER MEANS WHAT HE OR SHE SAYS, REGARDLESS OF THE VOCABULARY BEING USED. So, if someone were to say to me what I wrote above, I would appreciate it greatly, but I would also call them out on the overuse of TFA lingo. :) I mention this, because as I feel I've expressed in this post, I am proud to be a part of TFA, and this past week was so inspiring. As a result though, I feel those buzz words creeping into my vocabulary, and while they are by no means poor word choices, the more often you hear them the less value and significance they hold when someone compliments you on your DT. So, don't worry, my vocabulary is certainly in tact, and I don't think I'll be TFAing anyone anytime soon. However, if I do, call me out on it. :) More to come soon.
By the way, my response was:
Teach For America Bay Area is being surrounded by inspiring students, amazing families, and wonderful colleagues and friends.
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Your TFA dictionary:
TFA=Teach For America
CM=Corps Member
IC=Induction Coordinator
CVC=Core Value Community
RPR=Relentless Pursuit of Results
SoPo=Sense of Possibility
DT=Disciplined Thought
R&H=Respect and Humility
...here are some that were not included in this post but just for good measure (FYI, I realize the more I communicate with staff how great all these abbreviations are since they reduce how much I have to type! Some of these are not "exclusive" to TFA ;) ):
PD=Program Director
ED=Executive Director
sig. gains=significant gains
OAL=Operating as Leaders or Operating as Learners
SWBAT=Students will be able to...
TAL=Teaching as leadership
DCA=Diversity, Community, and Achievement
ELL=English Language Learners
STAR/CST=California Standardized Testing
CELDT=California English Language Development Test
SPED=Special Education
ELD=English Language Development
ELA=English Language Arts
ECE=early childhood education
Fun ones from Institute:
CMA=Corps member advisor
SOM=School Operations Manager
SRT=School Resource Teacher
LS=literacy specialist
CS=curriculum specialist
LPC=lesson planning clinic
...and I am sure there are many I'm forgetting. Let's just say teachers speak a whole other language.
*All pictures from teachforamerica.org
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