Diverse Experiences, Shared Values

Every year, starting in the fall, new cohorts of teacher, principal, literacy, and masters candidates from schools across New Hampshire and Vermont meet regularly at UVEI throughout the year as they complete their specific licensure or degree program. Although the programs vary in focus and curriculum, there are common elements of strong professional communities that are built in each one: shared values and practices, a focus on equity and justice, collaborative and collective inquiry, and reflection and continuous improvement. In this way, we believe that all UVEI candidates participate in this broader shared professional community of educators. 

But these cohorts eventually come to a close. And then what? Does that shared community end? 

Alumni Critical Friends Groups (CFGs) are our way of reigniting the UVEI professional community for all of our graduates. In our inaugural CFG, which took in mid-January, 12 teachers and leaders from various UVEI teacher licensure, principal licensure, and masters cohorts gathered on zoom on a Monday after school to share problems of practice, listen and give feedback to their colleagues, and reconnect with UVEI people and traditions. 

The session included familiar UVEI rituals such as a connector, closing feedback, and gratitude. After going over the agenda, a few attendees volunteered to share a dilemma in their practice through loose consultancy discussions, and the rest of the group facilitated and participated – listening closely, asking probing questions, and giving suggestions and feedback. 

Overall, attendees saw value in the opportunity to get together with teachers and leaders who share similar experiences and challenges, while also appreciating the different perspectives that everyone brought to the conversations.

We look forward to hosting another Alumni CFG meeting this spring. Stay tuned for an invitation in the coming months!

Chris Ward is UVEI’s Academic Dean and Graduate Studies Coordinator. He is an instructor in the Teaching, Literacy, and Leadership Programs and he coaches candidates in our teacher licensure and MEd degree pathways.