Using Video to Drive Campus Professional Learning
Smith Elementary | Magnolia ISD (TX)
Cedric Smith Elementary in Magnolia ISD wanted to improve instructional quality through deeper teacher reflection and collaboration. To make meaningful change, they needed a solution that would embed professional learning into daily practice rather than rely on traditional, one-size-fits-all training.
The Challenge
Improving instruction across a diverse student population required more than occasional observations or one-off training sessions. Principal Dion Rivera understood that ongoing reflection and collaboration were key to sustained growth, but finding a structured, scalable way to embed these practices into daily routines proved difficult.
- Traditional professional development lacked immediate relevance and lasting impact.
- Teachers had limited opportunities for structured, meaningful reflection.
- Ensuring alignment with instructional standards required a more consistent approach.
The Solution
To make reflection an integral part of professional learning, Smith Elementary introduced Sibme Missions, a structured system where teachers recorded and analyzed their own lessons. By leveraging Huddles and marker tags, educators engaged in collaborative discussions, compared instructional strategies, and refined their techniques through peer and coach feedback.
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Video analysis became a key part of professional learning, fostering deeper discussions
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Teachers compared instructional strategies across classrooms for better alignment
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Lesson planning became more intentional, leading to improved teaching practices.
The Results
Over time, what began as an expectation evolved into a teacher-driven practice, with educators actively seeking feedback and refining their instruction. The ability to observe and analyze lessons not only improved teaching quality but also fostered a culture of collaboration and continuous professional growth.
- Feedback evolved from generic praise to constructive, strategy-focused discussions.
- Teachers became more open to peer feedback, fostering a culture of continuous improvement.
- Reflection and collaboration became a standard practice, leading to higher-quality instruction.
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