As we transition to a one-year program, the opportunity to rethink what TTT stands for is now. At TTT’s inception, we were a group of teachers committed to training other teachers. It was easy – we were teachers training teachers. But now, as we have grown and matured as an organization, we are more than just a small group of volunteer teachers with big hearts.
H. Clay Trumbull writes,
“It has been said that the essence of teaching is causing another to know. It may similarly be said that the essence of training is causing another to do.
Teaching gives knowledge. Training gives skill.
Teaching fills the mind. Training shapes the habits.
Teaching brings to the participant that which he did not have before. Training enables the participant to make use of that which is already his possession.
We teach him the truths which we have already learned for ourselves. We train him in habits of study, that he may be able to learn other truths for himself.
Training and teaching must go on together. The one will fail of its own best end if it be not accompanied by the other.”
The essence of this text birthed a renewed purpose for our beloved three T’s…
Teaching
Training
Together
Teaching. The word teaching reflects our origin. The inspiration of our endeavor imagined a teacher, in front of a classroom, with little to no knowledge on how to teach the curriculum. We decided to tackle this problem, desiring to fill a teacher’s mind with theory and techniques to become a more effective teacher.
Training. The word training reflects our robust seminars. Whether you are a plumber, a doctor, or a teacher, you need to be trained to do the skills required of your job. TTT’s video presentation and our on-site facilitators train our participants to make good use of what is being taught.
Together. The word together reflects our collaborative effort. We are staff, working between two cultures to present seminars. We are facilitators and participants, integrating what was learned into classroom instruction. We are school leaders, collaborating among each other to dream of a better future for students. We are investors, of both time, effort and money, choosing to come alongside a problem and be a part of the solution.
Together, we are teaching… and we are training. At our most recent seminar, two staff members commented that the name TTT just sounds so good when they say it. I am excited and recharged to repurpose our three T’s to represent three new words that embody our origin, our seminars, and our success.
Beth is the President of Teaching Training Together, an organization based in Burlington, Massachusetts, that provides initial training through professional development seminars to underserved school leaders and teachers.