Da’aw Framework: A Personal Approach to Professional Development for Educators
By Jackie Cope Ed.D.
What if I told you that you have the power to determine your own professional development as an educator? Would you believe me? Would you laugh? Would you scoff and roll your eyes? For far too long, educators’ professional development has been left in the hands of those who are either out of touch, unaware of differentiated instruction, or who try to apply blanket solutions to complicated problems. I’m here to tell you that you have the power and capacity to take over your educator journey through “personal professional development.” I created this framework in my third year of teaching and it has transformed my educator journey. It has assisted me in developing meaningful reading instruction and interactive math lessons, connecting deeper with parents and families, and diving deep into socially just education practices. You can transform your teaching using my approach in this upcoming school year.
My approach to personal professional development begins with a walk around Lake Tahoe in the Sierra Nevada Mountains. In this picturesque, tranquil setting we can reconnect with nature to regain a firm foundation within ourselves. Lake Tahoe, or Da’aw, is the center of life and a sacred body of water to my people, the Washoe Tribe. I take us back to this body of water as a reflective tool to remind you of the powerful work you do every day as an educator. Teaching is a personal endeavor. It flows through us like sacred water flows through the forest.
In the Da’aw Framework, you start at the East side of the lake. Starting in the East represents the Hopes we have as educators. Our hopes can be a myriad of things. We spend time of the East side of the lake to truly and deeply reflect what our teaching practices need to be successful and what we need as educators to make the most of each day. The East is chosen here because of the rising sun. It is aligned with starting a fresh, new day. As we feel the warm sunrays of the new beginnings we can imagine our future. In this section you will create what I call a “Focus Goal.” This will determine your learning for the next academic school year.
After a couple of months, you make your way to the South of Da’aw. Here you will do your Homework about your Focus Goal. This is a time to collect and gather as much information, evidence and examples of your hopes as possible. All too often we are rushed through the process of defining our Hopes and given very little time to actually do our Homework. Our modern education system is built on perfectionism and a sense of urgency that does not make room for still, calm, methodical learning. A few months of learning here throughout the Fall and Winter months will set a foundation for a successful launch in the Spring.
In the Spring, you will travel to the West side of Da’aw. Here you will Host your Focus Goal. This is a time to implement your new learning and findings. Waiting until Spring is intentional done in the Da’aw Framework because of its natural alignment. Springtime is a time to start new aspirations or goals. It is a time to blossom like the plants around us and to be filled with life like the animals. Too often we launch new initiatives in the Fall and this does not align with the natural progression of the seasons.
After hosting your Focus Goal, you will travel North to Honor your journey. Heading North for reflection is a way to connect to the higher order and true self. In the North you will reflect on a deeper level that you may not be familiar with. Many times, throughout credentialing programs and teacher preoperatory courses, we are asked to reflect, but it is a surface level reflection. During your time of Honor, you will also spend time reflecting on the new question and ideas that came up during your journey. This will prepare you for a second trip around Da’aw for the following school year.
Walking around Da’aw gives your professional development the personal touch it has been deeply missing. Being an educator is more than just meeting the demands of daily duties, good test scores, or high attendance rates. Teaching is about honoring the whole child through and through. Educators also need to be honoring their whole selves as well. Teaching does not have an on-and-off switch that makes compartmentalizing a possibility. It is the work of love, dedication, respect, learning, and connection.
I hope you consider a journey around Da’aw for a personal professional development experience. The interactive, Indigenous journaling guide begins in August and ends in June. Through the process you will find a sense of fullness your career has been aching for. You will hear Da’aw say, “Hey Teacher! Get in Focus!” Find the guide here:
Jackie Cope Ed.D. is a teacher, author, consultant, Founder of RavenRabbit LLC, union activist and a Washoe Tribal member. She currently is serving as the Director of Education for the Cahuilla Band of Indians.
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