Teacher as researcher - The efellow15 journey

In early October last year, I received an unexpected phone call while out at lunch with @crimsonNZ. It was from John at CORE education with the exciting news that I had been selected as an efellow for 2015.

I decided to apply that year as I was looking for some PD after completing my post graduate studies.  I didn't really expect to be accepted. I thought it would be more a practice run and I would apply again with experience on my side.

So when I got the call, I was speechless but remember giggling and smiling so widely. Although sworn to secrecy until the announcement at ULearn 14 the following week, I had to share with my lunch buddy (in case she thought I was crazy).

Over the year, I have been asked a number of times to sum up the efellow year and experience.  It's an extremely hard thing to do.

The efellow journey is a whirlwind of learning, laughs and reflection. It's hard work, but rewarding and fun all at the same time.

Alongside being supported through a research project, we were also affored immense professional development through; 

• Visits to schools (ECE to secondary) across New Zealand (in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch)
• Professional discussions with numerous CORE education staff including; Keryn Davis, Derek Wentworth, Dee Thomas, Karen Melhuish Spencer, Manu Faaea-Semeatu, Mark Osborne, and Chrissie Butler.
• Professional discussions and mentoring with Louise and Ann (our CORE efellow mentors).
• Skype sessions supporting our learning, thinking and research projects.
• Networking with past efellows and other CORE staff.

It was "supposed" to be a year to dedicated to my research project, but what I got out of it was so much more. I gained a bigger understanding of what it means to be a teacher researcher.  After this year, I firmly believe we should not be looking at teaching as inquiry but rather teacher as researcher!

During this year of PD, reflection and research I have been challenged and learnt more about and from my practice, my students, their whanau, my peers and my newest bunch of critical friends (my fellow #efellows15) than ever before.

I shared my year with the amazing group of educators known as the 2015 efellows - Vivita Rabo (Teacher of the Deaf @ Mission Heights), Camilla Brotherton (Teacher @ Waiheke School), Stephanie Kitto (Teacher @ Clyde School), Steve Mouldey (Specialised Learning Leader @ Hobsonville Point Secondary School), Richard Wells (Head of Technology @ Orewa College) and Philippa Nicoll Antipas (@ The MindLab Wellington). 

There were many conversations (both fun and serious) and we have developed a close bond. We will be ewhara15 for life! and I feel immensely privileged to have been on this journey with them.

Through my research, I had the opportunity to really listen to my students and their whanau. I really began to question how well we listen and if we hear the message correctly. My research showed correlations between positive, strong relationships and academic achievement and success. I don't have answers, but I believe more than ever that relationships and listening are they keys to school "success". 

I plan to continue reflecting on my practice and actively seeking ways to improve communication and organisation within the junior school (in particular) to support relationships and keep them at the core of everything we do.

The efellowship ride has been hard but so rewarding. I would really like to apply for another year as I feel like I am only just beginning and have so much more to gain!

If you get a chance to talk to any efellows, do it! If you have a question you want to look into deeper, you should apply for a CORE efellowship.