My head is just spinning!! Spinning, spinning, spinning.....
I am so excited to tell you about the day of learning I had on Monday, June 22nd.
Spent the day as a presenter at the 8th Annual Maiers Educational Institute, left a changed learner.
There is something very magical about 200 and some teachers, media specialists, administrators, business leaders being in the same room for one purpose: working together to make the educational system stronger and more efficient for the success of our children!
The day was led by Angela Maiers, my friend and colleague. She made a case as well as a plea that all educators dedicate themselves to the betterment of each and every student they touch, by way of using the latest in research related to meeting the needs of our students. The trainings and breakout sessions called for teachers and administrators to create an educational experience that captivates and acknowledges every student's talent, as well as their weaknesses.
We focused on helping students understand the habits and attitudes necessary to be successful in today's world, as well as tomorrow. We also talked about the importance of being a global learner (and TEACHER) by building a personal learning network, not just online but face to face. We shared ways to become a fervent educational researcher and collaborator by utilizing the web as an up to date way to gather information. And, we discussed how to help our students spread their message and voice to the world, using technology as a tool, not as a toy.......whew, I could go on and on...there was so much more.
Every time I gather with teachers for this reason, whether it be in a workshop such as this, or even in a classroomw with one or two teachers having coffee, I am compelled by their commitment to their kids, and I can't help but think...."How can I make the process of utilizing this research in the classroom much easier and time-efficient?" What is my place in all of this?
Angela mentioned in her keynote how everyday she wakes up, turns on her computer, and is absolutely blown-away by new information she receives through her PLN and the research she follows. After following her lead (and Mike Sansone's brilliance), building my own PLN via RSS feeds and twitter, I SEE IT happening for myself now. I SEE how important this is for my professional development, and for the development of the teachers and preservice teachers I serve. I am giddy with glee as I turn on my laptop and watch my firefox tabs explode in the morning!!
My ultimate goal and mission is this.....I love teaching my own classroom of kiddos, but now I see my place unfolding before my eyes.....I have the opportunity to impact more lives of children if I support their teachers than I can if I am only in one room with my 30 kids, and I am excited about the possibilities ahead.
I have SO MUCH to learn about this job, but can't wait for the learning adventure!
The Habitudes of curiosity, imagination, adaptability, courage, self awareness and perseverance are absolutely critical for you to find your calling. I have experienced this first hand, in my own learning experiences over the past weeks. We must teach our kids this, not by adding another curriculum to what you already do, but by integrating these skills into our everyday lessons, conversations, interactions, problem solving arguments, learning to tie our shoes, wipe little noes, etc....these kinds of habits and attitudes are everywhere, everyday.
So, a big learning day for many......a life changing experience for myself. What more can one teacher ask for?
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