Gary
Smith 
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How did you hear about our
program originally?
I found out about the program from peers that were considering
entering the Winona Learning Community Program. There were several
of us who worked together that were in need of a flexible Masters
program that went beyond the traditional program and actually
helped us become better teachers. Our schedules were full and
there was no room to be gone a whole summer. We had considered
other programs that were video or internet based but we wanted
personal contact while being a part of a group…and we got
it!
Why did you decide to go with our program?
The program facilitator was a warm and caring person from the
start. I can remember getting a very positive feeling from her
first emails and telephone conversations. The first informational
meeting was also an experience that motivated me while helping
me realize the value of a program that would be relevant to my
own classroom. I really didn’t want another college professor
who hadn’t been in a real classroom in years lecturing me
about what I should be doing. I desired a nurturing environment
that provided me the resources to further my impact on my students.
It also helped a lot that a group of six of us that worked together
all decided to enter the program together. We were able to help
and encourage each other throughout the program. I would not have
done it without these people.
What did this program do to help you become a reflective
practitioner?
Through the support and guidance of the program facilitators and
along with a group of 50 peers in our learning community, I was
able to read and learn a significant amount about being in a community.
The value of learning side by side with other educators helped
me to share my problems and successes. When something didn’t
work I was able to go to another teacher and try to find out why.
It helped to have others to bounce ideas off of and to work together.
Sharing each others’ successes helped build confidence and
esteem while learning from each other. I began to transform into
a new teacher. One who thought more about how to change things
to make them better. Keeping a journal also became an important
part of my day. I needed the chance to reflect and regroup. I
had previously been going through the motions and continued to
do the “same old things” without much change. But
now I was motivated to evaluate my methods and myself in an effort
to continually do things better. Reflecting on what I do and why
has become a very important part of my dedication to my students.
How do you think about your practice and/or student learning
differently now?
I find myself using a reflective journal more often-not as regular
as I would hope, but I do try to write down my thoughts more often.
I also just find myself thinking more in an effort to improve
and make changes. I also have made a substantial effort to tie
my elective subject into other core areas. My students grown when
they have a writing assignment in band but deep down I think they
enjoy learning more about the relevance of what we learn and do
in my class. I think that through my experience in the learning
community I am more open to try new and different things. I am
also more open to going to other members of the staff to ask for
help and share ideas with them. I have become more accepting of
advice and assistance while making an effort to integrate the
educational process of our school.
How do you analyze student work and your impact on their
learning differently after being in Winona’s Masters program?
Because I teach instrumental music, I find myself reflecting much
more on student work and accomplishments much more regularly.
When I am reflecting I am evaluating my effectiveness as an educator
through the comprehension and learning of my students. I have
now taken more ownership in my students’ learning not based
on just their performance in my class, but as a whole. I am more
dedicated to educating the student, not teaching them to play
an instrument. I find pleasure in seeing them excel in other areas
and hope that I contribute to that success. I no longer am merely
concerned about how good our last performance was, but now see
that we all need to work together to help students reach their
potential as individuals.
How have you changed because of the professional and personal
growth you experienced while in the LC program?
Allow me to reiterate some of the things I have mentioned previously.
Through my participation in the Winona LC I have become a much
more open and accepting person. I am more able to share my ideas,
successes and failures with peers and associates while hopefully
gaining some advice and assistance. I have become much more reflective
regarding my effectiveness in my classroom, thus making an improved
effort to be better. I find myself much more willing to initiate
discussions to find assistance in an effort to integrate my subject
with others. I hope to help students make more connections between
subject areas and help them see the significance of everything
together as a whole. I believe in goal setting and working to
reach those goals to become whatever you want to be.
What did you value about the Learning Community program?
Perhaps the most valuable aspect of the Learning Community program
for me was the fact that I was part of a group of educators dedicated
to doing the best that they can with what they were given. We
were all in the program together to help and nurture one another.
We cared about the others. We felt for each other and were a part
of each others lives. The faces became people with feelings and
emotions. I became to know and understand that these other humans
felt the same way I did and had the same problems. I could openly
share with them without a feeling of intimidation. I could go
to my friends in times of need or just for help. We were in it
together and we all celebrated each others successes and felt
each others pain during failures. It didn’t matter who we
were or what we did, we were in it together, as a community.
What do you miss about your time in the LC now that you
are done?
I miss the time together the most. Being able to share together
connecting with peers was wonderful. The connections I made were
very valuable and helped me grow immensely as an individual and
an educator. Although we have all gone our own ways and our lives
have in many different directions, I will never forget the connections
I made. The time we spent simply sharing our experiences together
helped me to realize I wasn’t alone. I would not have finished
the program had it not been for the valuable connections I made
in the community.
How do you feel that the program prepared you to be a
leader in your school, district, and/or community?
The Learning Community program helped me become comfortable with
who I am as an educator and person. I have gained confidence in
myself allowing me to be open in sharing with others. This is
a major step for me as I have always been uncomfortable offering
my opinion and accepting the suggestions of others. I wouldn’t
consider myself a leader, but I have made small steps towards
becoming a better communicator.
If you have applied for National Certification, in what
ways did we help prepare you for the experience? How do you know
you were more prepared than others?
Although I have not applied, I do know through conversations with
those who have, that the reflective writing we did in the program
really made a difference in being able to evaluate and describe
our classroom experiences.
Any thing else?
The format of our Learning Community program was very nurturing
as well as flexible. It impacted directly on my classroom and
was relevant to what I am doing. I enjoyed the community and team
building I experienced and the format allowed me to gain expertise
and knowledge that really made a difference to me and my students.
I found the program to be an incredible experience and allowed
me to grow and learn with my friends and peers while sharing this
experience with those around me. Although I always felt challenged
and at times overwhelmed, the work I was doing was meeting my
needs due to the fact that I was the one who chose to apply the
learning to best meet my needs. This was a wonderful experience
that was relevant to my needs in my classroom.
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