Connie Jessen

Exira Community Schools

Exira Iowa

Collective Narrative

Describe Leadership Group Summative Task:


I was a part of the external messenger group. Our job was to put together a communication plan to make other stakeholders aware of the intentions and direction of the CoPi Project.

Describe Response to Leadership Group's Summative Task:


Overall I think there was a positive response to our task at hand. I think participants were very confused about the project in general, which made our jobs somewhat more difficult to do. It seemed at times our direction was not about the task at hand – it focused more on the next steps and how to get into the curriculum and start breaking it apart– not about a communication plan to stakeholders. I don’t feel we really got on task until we met as a large group with all three areas.

Reflection and Documentation of your personal experience and support to the Leadership Group:

I know for me, I came to the group with limited background knowledge of the project. It seemed some districts had a lot of prior knowledge about the project and therefore knew more about what was expected of them. I was a little behind the 8-ball to begin with. I was a bit confused and overwhelmed about the purpose of the project and the two days worth of activities.

After experiencing the two days I feel more comfortable with the goals of the project and what is expected of me. I felt a lot better about the external messengers responsibilities after we had the joint meeting with other areas. I felt like we had a bulleted list of important facts and information to give to others that were interested in knowing more about the CoPi.

I’m extremely nervous, overwhelmed, and excited about the potential of the project. I think the project is extremely exciting. I’m nervous about whether or not I will be able to contribute at the level needed for this project. I have a lot to learn. I’m very excited about networking with other teachers from all over the state of Iowa. What a wonderful collaborative effort – our students and programs will have to benefit from this experience.