It was an amazingly insightful HoopGirl teacher training day with mock classes led in creative ways by the new teachers. As usual, the feedback sessions provided the richest material for us all. Watching how a budding teacher deals with the challenges of hands on teaching under these intensive circumstances is so revealing.

I was inspired by how many of the new teachers kept their cool when confronted by difficult learners. Everyone brought their own flavor to class instruction -- tone of voice, cadence, body language, choice of words... everyone is so unique. Each teacher generated the power of leadership from within, spiraling tangible presence, confidence and poise out into the class. It was delightful to witness it all.

I also feel that the depth and value of my own feedback for students has gotten much richer over the last trainings. I can see and observe so much more about the obvious and subtle things going on with each teacher. I can identify things which before seemed elusive. Meanwhile, I feel my languaging is much more powerful and I can actually provide useful and concise feedback in a way which is easy to hear. I am so grateful for this deepening of my ability to percieve and express!

It was also very moving to have Maki and Justin teach in Japanese, and yet still have everyone understand exactly what they were saying based on all the non verbal cues of communication they used.

By the end, we heard from several new teachers, "this weekend changed my life." It was truely humbling and affirming that I am on the right path. I need to get to sleep now.... but I am so grateful!