"You know it's a success when teachers are using Tuttle as a verb. As in, 'So, who Tuttled the most?'"

That's a quote from Upper School math teacher Missy Tschaubrun, who wrote the congratulatory letter to teachers in every division at the end of the second annual Tuttle Cup—a friendly competition (named after our beloved founder, The Right Reverend Daniel Sylvester Tuttle) during which teachers observe and learn from the teaching of their peers. The brain child of Middle School teachers and an outgrowth of the Strategic Plan's goal to improve teaching, the Tuttle Cup has been a big, early success—and one that benefits students even more than it does teachers.

As Missy told us, "The Tuttle Cup is a friendly competition between the faculty members at Rowland Hall. It is two years old, and in that time it has fostered observation and collaboration across multiple divisions and disciplines. The Tuttle Cup originated when Garrett Stern, Middle School math teacher, suggested a challenge to encourage teacher interaction across divisions. All the administration enthusiastically supported the initiative; therefore, we created a team of representatives from each division to manage the Tuttle Cup. The team includes Melanie Robbins (Beginning School), Stuart McCandless (Lower School), Garrett Stern (Middle School), and Missy Tschabrun (Upper School)."

This is how it works: "During the month of February, teachers and staff are placed on teams that accrue points by visiting other classes throughout all the divisions. At the end of the month, we tally the scores to see which team averaged the most visits per team member. In 2014, each team was composed of teachers from the same grade level. One of the main challenges we discovered in 2014 was how difficult it was for teachers to leave their classrooms during the day. In 2015 we wanted to create more cross-divisional teams to encourage greater communication throughout the divisions and to recognize each division’s unique challenges.

"This year, we topped last year's total participation. Such significant participation really engenders a strong sense of community and respect throughout Rowland Hall. Several faculty members reported new ideas that they could incorporate in their classrooms. Many also noted that the visits broadened their understanding and appreciation for the work other teachers do. The Tuttle Cup Team is looking forward to continuing this tradition into the future."

According to Missy, "As teachers, we are always pressed for time. So it seemed counterintuitive to give up valuable planning time to visit other teachers during the month of February. However, I took the challenge and am so glad I did. Seeing my colleagues interact with former students and watching how our curriculum develops throughout our four divisions was, in a word, awesome."

To Middle School teacher Garrett Stern "the Tuttle Cup is a homecoming. I get to return to the first grade as a student sitting criss-cross applesauce; return to Spanish class as I stumble to convey my thoughts in a foreign tongue; return to building with blocks in 4PreK; return to discussions of good and evil in Lord of the Flies in the eighth grade. I return to the joy of learning and the excitement of seeing our great school from the perspective of an applicant. Teaching can be an isolating act; I myopically focus on my single subject. The Tuttle Cup removes me from my island and facilitates a reunification with the larger community."

The Tuttle Cup gives Fiona Halloran, Upper School history teacher, "an incentive to visit my peers—especially those in other divisions. I'm always impressed by how much energy, enthusiasm, and creativity I see."

"The Tuttle Cup has helped my teaching by reinforcing the practices I model in my classroom," said fifth grade teacher and Tuttler Sarah Button. "As educators, we all have a role in the development of the young people we work with each day. Witnessing fabulous teaching and meaningful interactions with students reinforced the practices I have put in place in my classroom. This in turn benefits how I treat and am present for my current students. In addition, the Tuttle Cup benefits my students because I can speak honestly about their upcoming experiences. I want my current students to know that just because I am no longer their fifth grade teacher, I will still be 'checking in' on them as they continue their learning. Observing and interacting with my colleagues was invaluable in helping me feel that we are all in this together."

Upper School Administrative Assistant Linda Hampton's participation this year was notable, and about it she said, "It was so great to see the Beginning School in action. Now I know why it has such a great reputation!"

Congratulations to this year's winning group, Team Two, comprised of Gary Lindemann, Sarah Tobin, Ted Zeitler, Sarah White, Coreen Gilliand, Sarah Button, Gina Kiechle, Erika Palsson, and Stephen Brink, and to notable individuals Fiona Halloran, Christy Whitman, and Linda Hampton.

Read more about how teachers are better when they are continuous learners in this recent article from Science Daily. And keep on Tuttling!

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