Tuesday, August 10, 2021
Educators from various districts were faced with challenges and grew their leadership skills at the Educator Leadership Rendezvous in July at Fort McCoy.
Wisconsin Teachers of the Year, the Wisconsin Army National Guard and staff, teachers selected as Educators of Promise, and teachers chosen by their peers participated in the Rendezvous.
The group took part in various physical exercises, which centered on leadership, team building, and culture-building strategies. These activities consisted of wall climbing, obstacle courses, arrow tag, and many other rigorous exercises. A huge highlight for the group was taking a ride in a Black Hawk helicopter, which to many was an experience they will never forget.
Many teachers who had previously never met talked about feeling closer to their new friends, noting they formed a family bond through the activities. Within just an hour of arriving at the Rendezvous, military personnel had the group take part in a training course that required extensive communication and focus. The teachers pulled through and created an environment of inclusivity, which to many helped them experience what their students feel when entering a new school year.
Through these activities, many teachers said they can now come back to their students with refined leadership skills, as well as providing a constant inclusive environment. Several teachers noted how they are excited to tell their students about the fear they had to overcome during some of the more challenging parts of the Rendezvous and hoped that through these experiences, they can teach their students to overcome challenges in their life.
