None of the teachers completed what they had planned at the end of the summer workshop, yet nearly all of them made new discoveries about their own learning and about ways they can change their teaching. The difference between their goals and reality often proved to be a potentially fatal stumbling block for the teams' projects. In my role, I was able to intervene monthly in what seemed to the teachers a disappointing lack of progress. Researchers, as well as teachers, often underestimate the time and support necessary for teachers to change their practice. A change facilitator is in a good position to help avoid this pitfall.
Teachers can be ill-suited to provide perspective for one another.
I had the experience and contact with the teachers that allowed me to understand their goals and advise them. Kevin's calls were a real boost. He had a calm and reassuring way of making me feel and realizing that we were accomplishing important things even though they might not be what we intended to accomplish. His calls also helped to keep me on track with our work. Teaching can overwhelm one and consume all of one's time and energy, leaving little time for other things.