Be the Change Collab (BCC) is a professional development organization focused on interdisciplinary learning and teaching.
Vision:
We envision a collaborative of teachers and students who inspire and empower each other through an interdisciplinary approach to teaching and learning in order to effect change in education and their communities.
Mission:
Through quality professional development, collaborative curriculum unit design, and on site coaching, Be the Change Collaborative is a community of teachers who create and implement interdisciplinary units that prepare students to be curious learners, critical thinkers, and active citizens of the world.
Interdisciplinary Learning Fellowship (ILF) is a year long program designed to develop teaching practices by reimagining how students can engage with content and the world through an interdisciplinary approach to instruction. Through an application process, Be the Change Collaborative will invite at least ten teachers to participate in that year’s cohort.
Interdisciplinary Teaching & Learning
Teachers will engage in on-going professional development in the area of interdisciplinary learning and unit design. Through professional readings, video work, and site visits teachers will develop a deep and clear understanding of what elements are needed in a strong, effective interdisciplinary unit using the
backwards design unit planning process (Wiggins & McTighe, 2005).
Coaching & Support
Teachers will receive on site coaching as they implement their units in their classroom throughout the school year. The intentional and individualized coaching will allow teachers to improve their personal practice with regards to the implementation of their original units as well as their general instructional practice. Coaching will involve observations and feedback and student work analysis to inform instruction in
real time.
Professional Learning Community
ILF will bring together a cohort of committed teachers from different Chicago schools and backgrounds to collaborate for a year. For example, teachers will peer review units and view video of unit lessons in order to provide feedback. The cohort provides a platform for teachers who are invested in improving student learning through innovative and creative practices to partner with one another in dialogue and practice. Their participation in the fellowship will increase their network of educators and provide access to a database of interdisciplinary units of various topics and for various grade levels.