Teachers are artists perfecting their craft. Each day presents a canvas for which we can paint. We are always learning new techniques, methods, and ways to increase motivation and improve instruction to create a masterpiece of learning for our students.

Like an artist, teachers have many tools at our disposal. The question is which ones will be the most beneficial for our students. What works for one teacher may not work for another. The lesson used last year may not meet the needs of our classroom this year. This Tech Moment approaches to lesson planning and some resources for using technology as the medium for creation.

Creating blended lessons is the key to perfecting the art of teaching!  Take a little from here and a little from there to create the right mix to paint a beautiful experience in education. 

School pride and risk-taking are vital to an innovative school culture!

Acknowledging what is great in our school.  Ensuring that our students and teachers are valued is significant in becoming an exceptional school! This can be achieved by recognizing teachers, community, administration, and student strengths and utilizing them to their fullest potential.  When we treat each other with respect and compassion, we build relationships.  When we build strong relationships, our potential is exponential.

While having pride in our school and what we are doing is vital, we have to always look for how we can push ourselves and not become complacent. There is a famous quote by Maya Angelou, “I did then what I knew best, when I knew better, I did better.”  How profound and honest is that message? We should always be on the lookout for ways to improve or change things up.  When everything gets settled, it’s time to shake it up.  Last night on #IMMOC Live chat, George Couros spoke of the groove and the rut. If we treat each year with a prescribed algorithm of the same lessons or tasks,  I challenge we are in a rut.  The indications of being in a rut are lackluster of emotion, an absence of passion,  and the engagement required for you to be your spectacular self.  You have to ask yourself, “Am I in a groove or am I in a rut? ”

Build relationships, have school pride, and take risks to grow! 

Last year at a conference I heard, “What comes from the heart reaches the heart.  People know when we are genuinely interested in them and their passions.” That quote stood out in my mind. People innately feel when you are working or speaking from the heart and that is the energy that is most catching.  Have you ever felt that tug in your heart when someone is speaking to you, and you know that they just get it? They have somehow connected with your heart.    If you want to see a real change in the culture of your school, you must start from the heart.

As stated in Innovator’s Mindset, change can start with one person. That person is you!  You can be the catalyst for innovation and change, and it starts with building relationships and creating connections.  How can you start?

Be open, get to know what is important to them, and listen.

Remember the 3 E’s

• Engage the people around you.

• Energize them by asking questions and showing that you care about their ideas and dreams.

• Empower them through listening and support.

“If we want meaningful change, we have to make a connection to the heart before we can make a connection to the mind.”- George Couros

​

Connect with hearts and watch the culture grow in a positive direction! 

I remember when my kids were little they asked what seemed to be a million and one questions every day.  They were always asking why.  While at the store, they would notice the smallest most obscure things and ask me about them.  I tried very hard not to be in a hurry or bypass those questions for I wanted them to remain inquisitive and aware of life.

As we grow up, the amount of questions we ask, seem to become fewer and fewer.  I wonder about that awful repercussion of growing up.  Why do students stop asking?  Why do adults not ask more questions? How often do we make the wrong decision because we simply did not ask the right question or just did not ask any questions?  What happens to the wonder we had during childhood? Does pride get in the way or is it that we are too rushed to stop and wonder?

As we enjoy summer and approach a new school year, I challenge everyone to ask more questions.  Forget about looking silly, try not to walk into an experience with too many definitive answers, and be open to the smallest most obscure happenings for I believe that is where the biggest gains are made.  We only get wiser by observing and questioning! That is what learning is all about! We should be always asking, always seeking. 

Over the years, I have used various systems to motivate my students. I have always looked at the students in my classroom and tried to tailor my plan with their needs and personalities in mind. I love whole brain teaching and have used some of the strategies for my classroom in different patterns over the years, always adjusting things to fit my teaching style and students for that year.

When I became a fourth grade teacher, I came across "Super Improver" Wall. When students get to that age, they become very aware of areas of struggle and it is easy to get defeated or complacent with their effort. The "Super Improver" Wall shook my classroom up, motivated my students, and was easily managed.  It added a team effort as everyone was excited to see each other level up. 

Students are rewarded for making improvements in the classroom not for just making A's or the top grades in the class. I incorporated behavior and reading into my version of the system. When my students made gains in any area, I would reward them with "Super Improver" Points. After students received 10 points, they would get to pull a reward out of the jar and they would level up on the "Super Improver" Wall.  The tickets in the jar were for various classroom rewards from selecting GO Noodle brain break for the day to show-and-tell.  Some of the rewards would be for the whole class.  This added to the surprise element and made it fun! 

At the end of the year the students that achieved the top place, Legend, had their picture taken and placed on my website on the Legend page and received a basket of some of their favorite things.  Combining this system with Class Dojo made it easy to keep track of anywhere!  

This system allowed all students a chance to earn rewards in my classroom and gave them bragging rights as they received a certificate for each level they achieved.

Great Resources:

Whole Brain Website

Teacher Pay Teachers 

​Your approach to tasks, success, and failures is what shows your mindset. Growth Mindset is all about the power of yet. It is not about waiting for things to happen, but about continuing to work while gleaning lessons from the mistakes, you make along the way. As in the video above, you cannot say you will try and make a half effort and expect things to happen. You must attack life and learning with a passion and a fortitude that you will succeed. Don't just dream of what you could do, but do something... push yourself to grow.

There is no denying that some have an aptitude for learning individual skills. However, there is an adage that says your attitude, not your aptitude, determines your altitude. I dare say, some with the growth mindset can surpass those that have innate abilities with a fixed mindset. We need to teach students that learning can come from mistakes. Setbacks are opportunities for learning and growth of the brain.

There are thousands of stories of people that have created wonderful inventions or made big things happen after many failures. Sheer accidents are responsible for many designs. Success was a result of a mindset that I have not created or succeeded, yet.

There is power in the word yet. It implies a state of kinetic energy where you are moving forward, you are almost there, just a little bit further, one more push, and you could make it to the next point. It is power, hope, a desire to continue to grow despite the obstacles faced.

An individual with a growth mindset uses criticisms as a way to help them grow. Use the criticisms as a way to push learning or fuel the fire of passion and move forward to show to yourself and others that despite the obstacles: YOU WILL GROW... YOU WILL MAKE THINGS HAPPEN. It may not have arrived yet, but success in one form or another is coming.

Remember, if you decide to move on from something that it does not mean you have failed, it means there is something you have yet found that is your true calling. Take the lessons learned from your experiences and move forward with the power of yet. 

One of the most inspiring movies about education, the power of voice, and change is that of “Dead Poets Society.”  While it can be seen as very controversial, aren’t most messages worth being heard a little controversial. The teacher, Mr. Keating, said, ” Boys, you must strive to find your own voice. Because the longer you wait to begin, the less likely you are to find it at all. Thoreau said, “Most men lead lives of quiet desperation.” Don’t be resigned to that. Break out! Break out! Now is the time!”  Let’s let that sink in; NOW IS THE TIME.

​Chapter 1 of Innovator’s Mindset, What Innovation Is and Isn’t, begins with a quote from Seth Godin-“Change almost never fails because it’s too early. It almost always fails because it’s too late.”  Too often, we sit on the sidelines and go with the flow hoping that someday things will change.  We see the potential, but we hear the voices whisper “this is the way it is done, this is how it has always been, this works for us.”  All the while, in your heart, you are living in quiet desperation knowing that things could be so much different.  If you wait too long, the opportunity will pass you by.  You will look back and think, “I could have, should have, would have made a difference.”

I have always been a dreamer and never happy with the status quo.  I have always felt like we were created for so much more than what many of us settle on.  The craving for the unknown and the possibilities have taken me on many adventures, challenged me to keep going, and caused me to passionately search for ways to learn and grow. Have I made mistakes? Yes, but I have learned from them. Isn’t that the whole point of living?”

Mr. Keating from “Dead Poets Society” said, “There’s a time for daring and there’s a time for caution, and a wise man understands which is called for. No matter what anybody tells you, words and ideas can change the world.”  So, “Carpe Diem”.  Be daring, but always reflect back to the question “Is this in the best interest of students?” Find your voice, locate the innovation, and create a place in this world that empowers students and teachers.

Remember as George pointed out, “Change almost never fails because it’s too early. It almost always fails because it’s too late.” Don’t Wait! 

https://youtu.be/R_zsMwCOoEs?si=2tniO3uRDJ43Z3Rd

Have you ever been in such a case of constant busyness and getting from one thing to the next that it feels like you are simply surviving life. For me, it has sometimes been like a small trickle that suddenly feels like I am drowning. When we feel overcome with all the busyness, it is easy to allow that to steal our joy, forget the good things, and go into survival mode (which is usually stress-induced).

As adults, we have pressures from our jobs, bills, kids' sports, pets... the list goes on. All of these things can bring about good things, except bills and gas prices, of course! The key is not to allow all of the busyness to steal the joy and the relationships with the people you love. I have always believed that the material and temporary things are not worth losing sight of God and your people. To clarify, your people are the ones you love and care for and the ones that love and care for you in return.

So how do you move from survival mode to thriving?

First, take a pause. No, you cannot usually pause from work or paying your bills, but if you shift your priorities, you can find moments of time that you can fill with the things that will significantly impact your day-to-day life. I take a few minutes to read the word first in the morning and drink some coffee. It seems to help me shift a little, and I approach the day better. I then turn on my upbeat pop music and get ready for the day. This may not be your pause, though. You may not be a morning person, and that is ok. Take a minute in your car before work or right before you leave the car to sit in on your kids' practices or games. And find that minute to play music or read a book you like. My kids and I used to dance it out occasionally, and it always seemed to help us refocus!

Carve out time with those you love. Play some games in the yard or at the table, cook or bake together, go for a hike, go to the river or lake and enjoy whatever it is you like, or simply go for a drive. If you have teenagers, they will probably complain but do it anyway! Taking that time with one another eventually leads to talking and laughing, and this allows you all to refocus your energy. The energy goes from all of the things in your life to the people in your life, and that will, in turn, reenergize you!

Our lives are meant to be lived, not merely survived! Remind me of this if you see me sneaking back into survival mode, and I probably will because I am human!

​

As usual, these are my just thoughts in flow... 

As teachers, coaches, and leaders, we should always be careful with our words and actions. We should be setting the example, inspiring them to reach for that next improvement and success. We must look at each of them individually with the goal to help each of them become all around better. If each individual becomes better and they feel valued as a member of the team, it will in turn make a better team.

If you want a group of individuals to work as a team, you have to show what a team looks like. Using words of encouragement for all players, build your players up, be firm and consistent, always be clear of your expectations and make sure all are following them. Telling them to support the others doesn't work, you have to set that example.  When they see your strength and support, they will give that as well. They will act in the way they feel is reflective of what you deem important.

​

I’m not speaking of sunshine, roses, and softness, because to build a strong team you must be tough and you must show them how to improve.  There is a thing called tough love but for tough love to work the player has to first feel loved.  Your students, players, or members have to feel valued and as if they matter within the team. If they already feel like they will never be good enough, then how will they ever have hope.  Hope is the a powerful emotion. It is what makes people stand in front of insurmountable circumstances with their shoulders back and their hands held high ready to take it on. 

Recently I reprised my role as the Fairy Godmother for the Beta Princess Party.  Someone asked me if I enjoyed doing this and I answered with, "I love the kids."  The truth behind that statement is that I am scared to death of tripping, nervous about the crowd, and afraid of failing. Over the years, I have found most of us struggle with those types of feelings in different situations.  The key is getting in a frame of mind to take the next step and the next step or sometimes just throwing yourself into action.

Last week, Olivia and I watched the live-action remake of  Cinderella to get in the princess mindset.  In the movie, Cinderella's mother tells her to " Have Courage and Be Kind" and this phrase is repeated several times throughout the movie. What a powerful bit of advice and this advice helps Cinderella take on a great deal of loss, many trials, and a great deal of undeserved meanness.  The phrase “Have Courage and Be Kind” sets Cinderella apart and yet puts her on a path of peace and happiness. She uses those words from her mother yo love and forgive in situations that would be hard for anyone to swallow.

Courage is the quality of mind or spirit that enables a person to face difficulty, danger, pain, etc., without fear; bravery. To have the courage of one’s convictions, to act in accordance with one’s beliefs, especially in spite of criticism.

Kindness by definition “the quality of being friendly, generous, and considerate.”

Living a life of courage and kindness requires diligence, prayer, and a lot of faith. People can be cruel and so much of the time we are in such a hurry that we misunderstand each other. Not seeing past the immediate situation and looking into the heart of the other person can lead to so much bitterness and hurt feelings. The characteristics of  kindness helps you love and appreciate others even when they don't act or appear the way we would prefer.  Let’s face it, we all have probably acted in a way we would not prefer at some point or another in our life and I don't know about you but I definitely appreciated kindness when it was given.  Courage helps us do what we should when it is uncomfortable and maybe a little scary. It allows us to walk in truth and the path God has called us upon.

Having kindness and courage does not mean living a life in which you are being misused or continue in a situation that is not healthy for you.  At times, the act of  kindness that requires   much courage is one for yourself. You decide that enough is enough, forgive them for what they are doing, wish blessings upon them but walk away.

At the end of Cinderella, we see that her step-mother is acting out of her own bitterness and anger.  Life did not turn out the way she had planned which is why  she acts out in a way that is malicious and vindictive.  While this doesn’t excuse her actions, it does show how bitterness can twist your heart and make you into something ugly. For the step-mother, Cinderella is a reminder to her of who she wanted to be but because she cannot get past the past she cannot love her or be a mother to her.  This wall of protection the step-mother has created protects her heart, but it also keeps her from realizing that Cinderella would have loved her and enriched her life had she opened the door.

When the prince shows up and all the deception is revealed, Cinderella looks at her step-mother and contemplated what to do. She then remembers her mother’s words “Have Courage and Be Kind.” Cinderella calls the mother out on the pain she has caused in the kindest way possible, then tells her that she forgives her for everything, and tells her she does not wish to see her anymore. Some may question the kindness in her walking away but that kindness was for herself.

Now back to my fairy godmother adventure, I had a great time and I loved seeing all the kids dressed up and excited. I threw myself out there and bippidy-boppidy-boo’d all over the place! At the end of the night, as I took off my wings and my sparkling shoes I thought of Cinderella and her mother. I pray that when it is all said and done that my daughter remembers the lesson and advice “ Have Courage and Be Kind “ - and some happily ever after. 

I wrote the following down awhile back and saved it for a rainy day.

I was talking with my son one day and I was telling him that if you want kindness you have to show kindness. You get what you give. 

He looked at me with deep eyes and said, "Mom, you know that is not really how the world works? Being a good person doesn't get you anywhere in the world. Treating people the way you want to be treated rarely results in you being treated the same. ”

It was a sad thought and I was taken aback because I realized he had crossed the point of being a doe-eyed kid and he was really struggling with something.

I thought about it for a few minutes, paused,  and told him that he was completely right and I really hadn't thought that through. Kindness doesn't always get you anywhere nor do you get those attributes returned often in this world.  In fact, many times, the ones being mean and hurtful seem to get recognition and admiration.  I, then, told him that the deal is: As Christians, we do it anyway because we are not serving this world but serving God. We love because that is what God expects from us. We work for his glory and we pray for those that hurt us that they may see God's grace and love from our actions. Those that persecute us or hurt us can only reach us if we let them. 

I told Wade that we get angry, we mess up, we are devastated and frustrated at times, and that is okay. We are human and God knows. He KNOWS us! The whole point is to do the best we can and trust that it will work out in the end.

Like kindness, hard work and trying to do the right things are not always rewarded.   You see, many of us teach our kids from a young age that hard work, getting the grades, and doing the right thing will pay off but thinking about Wade and those deep eyes I know it is not always the case. The golden rule is do unto others as you would have them do to you.

The thing we have to remember is that the golden rule does not guarantee success or kindness.

Let's face it, this world is not fair and hard work is not always rewarded.  Just as kindness doesn't beget kindness.  Some people take advantage of those that work hard and are kind. While others, question motives and even ostracize and make fun.  Many of us are crushed when we have worked hard or have shown kindness and it is not returned. We become bitter and struggle with feelings of not being enough because we are passed over for someone that may not be kind or may not put in the work.

We should work hard and do the right thing because we are doing it for ourselves and God, not for man.  The idea is to be able to lay our heads to bed at the end of the day with the knowledge that we get angry, we mess up, we are devastated and frustrated at times, and that is okay. We are human and God knows. He KNOWS us! The whole point is to do the best we can and trust that it will work out in the end.

After all Mother Teresa had it right when she said, "We do it anyway...You see, in the final analysis, it is between you and God;

It was never between you and them anyway."

Mother Teresa's Anyway Poem

People are often unreasonable, illogical and self-centered;

Forgive them anyway.

If you are kind, people may accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives;

Be kind anyway.

If you are successful, you will win some false friends and some true enemies;

Succeed anyway.

If you are honest and frank, people may cheat you;

Be honest and frank anyway.

What you spend years building, someone could destroy overnight;

Build anyway.

If you find serenity and happiness, they may be jealous;

Be happy anyway.

The good you do today, people will often forget tomorrow;

Do good anyway.

Give the world the best you have, and it may never be enough;

Give the world the best you've got anyway.

You see, in the final analysis, it is between you and your God;

It was never between you and them anyway.

One of the most inspiring movies about education, the power of voice, and change is that of “Dead Poets Society.”  While it can be seen as very controversial, aren’t most messages worth being heard a little controversial. The teacher, Mr. Keating, said, ” Boys, you must strive to find your own voice. Because the longer you wait to begin, the less likely you are to find it at all. Thoreau said, “Most men lead lives of quiet desperation.” Don’t be resigned to that. Break out! Break out! Now is the time!”  Let’s let that sink in; NOW IS THE TIME.

Chapter 1 of Innovator’s Mindset, What Innovation Is and Isn’t, begins with a quote from Seth Godin-“Change almost never fails because it’s too early. It almost always fails because it’s too late.”  Too often, we sit on the sidelines and go with the flow hoping that someday things will change.  We see the potential, but we hear the voices whisper “this is the way it is done, this is how it has always been, this works for us.”  All the while, in your heart, you are living in quiet desperation knowing that things could be so much different.  If you wait too long, the opportunity will pass you by.  You will look back and think, “I could have, should have, would have made a difference.”

I have always been a dreamer and never happy with the status quo.  I have always felt like we were created for so much more than what many of us settle on.  The craving for the unknown and the possibilities have taken me on many adventures, challenged me to keep going, and caused me to passionately search for ways to learn and grow. Have I made mistakes? Yes, but I have learned from them. Isn’t that the whole point of living?”

Mr. Keating from “Dead Poets Society” said, “There’s a time for daring and there’s a time for caution, and a wise man understands which is called for. No matter what anybody tells you, words and ideas can change the world.”  So, “Carpe Diem”.  Be daring, but always reflect back to the question “Is this in the best interest of students?” Find your voice, locate the innovation, and create a place in this world that empowers students and teachers.

Remember as George pointed out, “Change almost never fails because it’s too early. It almost always fails because it’s too late.” Don’t Wait!

Watch “What Will Your Verse Be?” from “Dead Poets Society” and reflect on your verse... 

Where Do I Go From Here?“Alice: Would you tell me, please, which way I ought to go from here?

The Cheshire Cat: That depends a good deal on where you want to get to.

Alice: I don't much care where.

The Cheshire Cat: Then it doesn't much matter which way you go.

Alice: ...So long as I get somewhere.

The Cheshire Cat: Oh, you're sure to do that, if only you walk long enough.”

Lewis Carroll, Alice in Wonderland

Alice wants to go somewhere, but she really isn't sure where.  It takes much longer to get somewhere if you have no idea where you really want to be. How poignant is this in so many aspects of life, especially, when it comes to teaching and learning? Any journey that is to be taken is much easier to travel when you know where you are going.

When I recently went on a trip with the family, we sat down and planned out our adventure. This plan created a path for the experience.  Along the way we took detours, followed our hearts and eyes into some spectacular moments, but knowing our  final destination, having some great tools, and stopping at some essential check points made for a much smoother trip. Did things go wrong? Yes, of course, but the trip was one to remember and we achieved more than we expected.

Applying "Understanding by Design" or backward design to your classroom-Consider what your desired outcome is and work backward to ensure you have thought out what has to take place to get the desired end.

In short, we need to know where we are heading before we begin the journey.

Move from content focus to results focus!

Stages of Design:

Stage 1: What is the larger purpose or what do I need my students to learn? -Identify what you want your students to be able to do at the end of the lesson or unit. Think about where your students are and what skills or knowledge they will have to understand to reach that ultimate goal. Thinking about the standards and goals is how you build the essential questions for your unit and ultimately develop your lessons.

Stage 2: How do I want them to show they learned? - What do you want the end product to be? Think about what skills will match up to that primary objective. Do they need to work on writing, critical thinking, creativity, how to collaborate, or do they need to work on communicating information learned? Students should not have a one-time test at the end of a unit. There should be ongoing inquiry and rethinking through things like exit slips, informal assessments like discussion, or quizzes.

Stage 3: What learning and teaching experiences will promote success in stage 2 and ultimately stage 1?

• Will you use whole group, small group, partners?

• Will it be synchronous (Live) or asynchronous (Different Times)? Can you use technology to develop the 4C's?

• What materials or resources would be best used to meet the learning goals? (videos, online platforms, concrete items, post-it notes, social media)

• What digital tools have you seen that may engage them, make it more exciting for you to teach and them to learn, or will help meet the goals better?- See what will make you reach out of the box because it may stretch their thinking as well. Also, look for things that will help you get real-time data and will help you gauge your lesson effectiveness. Immediate feedback is vital to understanding. Keep feedback in mind in your digital tool selection. Will it meet your students needs?

Stop and reflect on the design- Think about how the lesson went, how the students did, what could be tweaked, and did the digital tool help or should you look for something else.

Start with where you want to go, plan the path to get there, then choose the tools for the adventure. Just do not forget to follow your heart.As always start small, take one unit at a time and work the details out. 

"400 Minutes a day. What are you doing with this time? More importantly, what are our students doing?"

WOW! This quote is where Empower by John Spencer and A.J. Juliani sucked me in.

Let that sink in and play that question over and over in your head as you go through the day.

What are students doing that is going to create an impact on the rest of their life, because every second, every minute, and every day pushes students further into the great wide open world?

Recently, I was at a conference, and I had the privilege of listening to two different presentations where educators were not only dreaming with their eyes wide open but passing that trait onto their students.

Fredi Lajvardi did not let fear of limitations or as he mentioned, "one hand tied behind his back" from helping his students achieve the impossible in creating an underwater robot that surpassed all hopes and led to beating MIT in a competition.  These kids from improbable circumstances achieved the impossible.

The other presentation that captured my heart and seemed to hit home the idea of dreaming with your eyes wide open, is that of a group of students led by a teacher in the nearby school district of Festus, MO.  They have been creating rockets and competing on a national scale.  As I listened to the students speak of what they have been doing (the teacher sat back and let them shine), I was thinking of the teacher behind those wonderfully smart and inspired students.  As with the Fredi Lajavardi, he was behind these students making the most of the minutes. Both of these educators refused to say no and did not spend time wishing the year away.  Instead, they were using every minute with these students to make a lasting impact!

"I tell people I'm too stupid to know what's impossible. I have ridiculously large dreams, and half the time they come true." -Debi Thomas, American Athlete

If students' dreams come true even half the time, isn't that worth it? Even if the other half does not come true, there are lessons they are learning from those failures that could result in future success in character and life!

Too often in education, we are running the race of getting through the required material and curriculum. Many times using the same "track" or lesson plans despite the ever-changing world around us. Why do we continue to do this? What would happen if we opened our eyes and ears, listened to our kids, and heard what drives them? Ask, "What lights their fire?"

"Find out what your kids speak, then speak THEIR language."- Adam Welcome

​

"400 minutes a day," what will we do with them this year? How will we impact the students in our classrooms or schools? I challenge us to dream with our eyes wide open and hopefully pass that challenge onto our students.  Make the most of every minute, every day.

Here are the stories of the students and their wonderful teachers from this post."Spare Parts" Teacher, Fredi Lajvardi and Allan Cameron 

Festus Rocket Club

Empower: What Happens When Students Own Their Learning

“I'm not saying it's going to be easy. Nothing in life is easy. But that's no reason to give up. You'll be surprised what you can accomplish if you set your mind to it. After all, you only have one life, so you should try to make the most of it.”

― Louis Sachar

Gumption involves doing something despite the energy level, the resources, or in spite of obstacles. It is the idea that you are bound and determined to make something happen because you know it is the right thing to do or you have a desire to make it happen.  Moxy is an attitude; it is the little bit of spunk and resourcefulness that comes about from having gumption. The gumption gets you started, the moxy is what makes others take notice and possibly want to join in.

One of my favorite movies is "The Holiday."  In the movie, Iris, the main character spends so much time pining for what she refers to as unrequited love.  When she finally realizes the love is just not going to happen, she contemplates several things and eventually decides to run away from it all.  She soon discovers a wonderful new adventure, but the most important thing is she meets a man that introduces her to a whole group of women from screenplays that have "gumption."  This gumption leads to a whole new Iris, the Iris she was always meant to be.

​This idea of gumption had me thinking of some of the great women I always looked to, and I soon realized that all of them not only had the quality of gumption, but they had this bold attribute of moxie and the traits of grace. What a powerful mixture and how could you not want a taste of that in your life!  Living a life of halves might look appealing to some and may even be the easiest path to take, but I cannot even fathom that way. I want to do great things! Despite all the odds, I want to make a difference and hopefully have a small amount of the shine that is present in those women. Hard road or path of least resistance does not interest me as much as being on the right road. If forging a new path is the way that leads to the right direction, then I am ready to climb that mountain, and I hope to do it with such moxy that others will want to walk beside me and pick up to take over if I lose my way.  The most important thing is, I hope to do it with class and grace. 

​Today I ran across an article that caught my attention, "Top 10 FBI Behavioral Unit Techniques for Building Rapport with Anyone" and I began thinking about classroom rapport.

When I was in the classroom, each year I would reflect on my class, and one of the things I always considered was the relationships.  What did I do well?  What could I have done better? What did not work at all?

​

What I learned from the reflective process was building rapport with your students can literally make or break your classroom management.

Here are my top 10 techniques for building rapport with students:

1. Start the Year Out Right- Reach out before your students ever enter your classroom.  Send a letter or postcard out letting them know that you are excited that they will be in your room this year, what they can expect the first couple days, some attributes about yourself, and what are some of the things you are looking forward to doing this year with them.  When I started doing this, I saw a difference in the rapport immediately. I loved how excited my students were about getting the letter and enjoyed when I had kids that put that letter on the front cover of their binder.  It felt like I had achieved ROCKSTAR status!

2. Your Body Language Speaks Volumes- Little things like standing at the door welcoming them in. "So glad to see you today!  Are you ready, because today will be a good day." Kids read your body language before you speak and it sets the tone.  How you look, talk, and approach them matters.  When they see you are ready to be there and ready for the day, the attitude becomes catching.

3. Leave It In the Car-  One of the things that stood out to me from the book "Kids Deserve It" was this statement.  We have bad nights, issues outside of work, and at times adult issues even within the school.  None of those things have anything to do with those kids in our rooms.  We have to learn to separate ourselves from that because many of our kids have issues going on at home as well.  In the morning, we must take a deep breath, let it go, and walk into the school ready to make the best of the day we have been given.

4. Ask for Help- Allow students the opportunity to make the classroom and assignments their own.  Find ways to empower by allowing them to help you create learning experiences, rubrics, and allowing opportunities for them to be creative as a team.

5. Be Real- One of my favorite blogs is Tara M. Martin's R.E.A.L blog. She uses real as an acronym that derives meaning from the word and what it means to be real.  R-  Be relatable and reflective. E- Expose your vulnerable side. It is ok for them to see you make a mistake and show them that when you fail that you get back up again. A- Be approachable.  People learn from people they feel comfortable communicating with, they are more likely to ask questions when unsure of how to find the answer and are willing to share their thinking if they feel valued. L- Learning alongside them. Share what you are learning or your interests with them and show them that learning is something we do throughout our lives.

6. Validation Goes a Long Way- Thank them for their hard work, for opening a door, and helping another. Say sorry if you're wrong.  Treat them the way you want to be treated.  You are the lead learner in the room, which means you are the guide, but they need to feel like they are noticed, valued, and matter.  After all, isn't that what we all want?

7. Quid Pro Quo- Share funny stories and let them share with you!

8. Manage Your Expectations- Identify each student's weaknesses and strengths but focus on how to help them build up those strengths while supporting them in developing the skills they need to succeed.

9. Parents are Important- I once read that "Every parent sends you the best they have." That stuck with me. Always reach out to parents, call them and tell them the good you see. When things go awry, remind them that you know they have good expectations and you need their help to ensure the success of their child.  When the parents know you care and know you are aware they are trying, it builds a bond.

10. We May Be Their Person- Each child deserves someone that loves them.  The key is to remember that the best love is the kind that directs them on the path to success.  This means at times you have to put aside the child's story or past and focus on their potential future. Some call it tough love, I simply call my version love. Don't allow them to become a statistic or a victim but help them become the victor.  I thank my childhood teacher's every day for that same love they gave me for it is what allowed me to be where I am today.

Bonus technique and the most important: Have FUN!

“A person who has good thoughts cannot ever be ugly... if you have good thoughts they will shine out of your face like sunbeams and you will always look lovely.”

― Roald Dahl, The Twits.

Barker, Eric. “Top 10 FBI Behavioral Unit Techniques for Building Rapport With Anyone.”Time, Time, 14 May 2014, time.com/98473/top-10-fbi-behavioral-unit-techniques-for-building-rapport-with-anyone/. 

Have you ever been in a meeting and it seems to be going nowhere? Everyone is spending so much time discussing the problem or looking for some grand fix that “if we had the money, the resources, or that staff” we could do something about the PROBLEM.

Admiring the problems, instead of looking for innovative solutions.

In the Book Building School 2.0, the authors explained, “The solution is simple: decide not to admire the problem anymore.” When you are in a meeting, take a minute occasionally to take notice of the discussion mood, see if ideas are moving forward, or are people just admiring the problems. It is very easy to get caught up in all of the issues that are present that make change impossible.

How to stop the admiration of the problem?

1. Spend some time at the beginning of the meeting on what vision you as a team have developed for your students and school.

2.  Look at what has been happening to meet the vision.

3. Be open to other people’s ideas and see what kind of impossible made possible that we can mix up.

Remember that when meeting with a group of individuals that we all have our set of hopes and desires that are not entirely wrong, but may not be quite right for everyone.

“Innovate Inside the Box”

Reading Innovator’s Mindset has led me to believe time should be allotted to the dreaming, but we cannot focus all of the energy on what could be if we had. Time needs to be spent inventorying our strengths, our weakness, the resources we have, and devising a plan to make things happen despite the PROBLEM or the budget. The answers could already be there; we just aren’t looking at it from the right perspective.

When we have a clear picture of our vision, our strengths, and our current resources, along with an open-mind focused on making things happen for our students, the impossible is suddenly possible. Let’s walk out of meeting inspired by the possibilities not bogged down by the obstacles. 

https://youtu.be/lGyjGwSQXpg?si=K-wAb0MBL1S6A_4U

This time of year is the hardest for me now that I no longer have a classroom of my own.  The reminders that a new school year is getting ready to begin are everywhere.  At the store, the school supplies are front and center. I have always had an affinity for school supplies! (Maybe the main reason I started the path of a teaching career! HA!) Pinterest is full of classroom pins with decorations, classroom management ideas, and bulletin boards filling the page.  Instagram and Facebook have pictures of teachers enjoying their last few weeks of vacation and sneaking into their school to see if they can walk on the floors yet.  (A few of us have been known to sneak in windows to get in our room! Hee, hee!)

This time of year, I start wandering the halls, looking into rooms and observing all the wonderful ideas coming to fruition as teachers put the finishing touches on their classrooms and begin preparing for the first week of school.  My heart longs for many aspects of the class; many have nothing to do with the actual room.

I miss the:

• Creativity.  The planning of activities, lessons, and questions. Taking the standards and looking at them to develop a game plan of how best to help my students achieve success. Seeing the ideas of students and hearing them explain their thinking. Watching students complete projects and getting to see how they have thought it out.

• Laughter and smiles. I miss the jokes, the stories, and the songs.  I miss the cheering and the personalities that would come out when the unexpected occurred.

• Uniqueness of my students. I miss delving in and getting know their likes, dislikes, character, and personality.  Thirteen years in the classroom, I taught nearly 300 students and each and every one of them was unique.

• Questions and the stories. I enjoyed the questions!  The questions concerning content and skill, but even the questions about what I am having for lunch and the discussion that would follow after I told them it was carrots, cauliflower, and chicken. (They always looked at me like I had three eyes when I first told them.) There were always wonderful stories to hear and some that I may have wished I had not heard.  All of which made each day interesting and different.

• Comradery of my fellow teachers. I loved being part of a grade-level group.  We were on a mission, partners in arms or fellow shipmates in the voyage of the unchartered waters of a new year. We made things happen, shared the passion and the tears, yet still found fun along the way.

What I miss above all else is the newness.  Not simply the newness that occurred at the beginning of the school year, but fresh opportunity every day. I never had the same day twice.  I never had a lesson that went the same.  Every day was a brand new one with potential and an opportunity for something great to happen! Every year was a chance to start anew with a whole different set of personalities.

There is an old Trace Adkins song that rings true:

"You're gonna miss this

You're gonna want this back

You're gonna wish these days hadn't gone by so fast

These are some good times

So take a good look around

You may not know it now

But you're gonna miss this."

As I start a new year tomorrow in the position of Instructional Technology Coordinator for another year, I hope to remember the things that I miss. For those memories keep me close to the passion.

There is a beautiful quote by W. Hodding Carter II, that holds true for me.

“There are only two lasting bequests we can hope to give our children. One of these is roots; the other, wings.”

― W. Hodding Carter II

​You can have roots and wings.  The roots hold you fast to a set of beliefs that you can use as your true north.  You can measure all of what you know to be true, against future experiences.  The wings are for flying and using them to see more than you have ever thought possible. 

She was sinking, trapped, fighting to not drown.  How did she get here?  How did she get so far away? Would someone help her?  Could she help herself? She sat there in her classroom looking at that room full of chairs, the curriculum in front of her, and she felt … lost.

As an educator, we have so many pressures and shoulds thrown our way.  Education is ever changing, ever evolving, and yet some things remain so stagnant and old.  It reminds me of the song, “Old Hippie.”  “Does he hold on to old or does he grab on to the new?” How do you decide what to do without drowning? How do you innovate while fulfilling what is deemed by the school curriculum and administrators?

First-things-first, let’s be clear if you are so scared of the ocean (wave of change) or what is lurking out there, and you stay next to the shoreline your whole career you will never experience the magic of what could be. Remember, the world outside the school and classroom has a constant influx of information and changes taking place.

According to Empower’s authors, John Spencer and A. J. Juliani, “We don’t have to change the entire system in order to give our students a different experience.”

Before you jump in, consider a few things.

Look for your true North- What is in your heart?  What makes you want to be a teacher? What are the beliefs or passions that are core to your mission?  While you play and venture from the shoreline to discover new adventures, the shore,  just like your mission should stay in view.

Don’t Forget that you are never finished learning- What do you see that can help you or what can you revisit to get you back on track?

The moment you stop swimming, you will inevitably drown- One of my favorite characters of all time is Dory in Disney’s Nemo.  She is supposed to be a side character but isn’t it funny how those side characters are the ones that can have the most poignant dialogues (hold that thought for another day).  Dory says,”Just keep swimming, just keep swimming.” She gets into some very dire situations, but she shines in the next movie as she remains up for anything to make it happen.

I have read Innovator’s Mindset several times and I keep going back to some of the wonderful messages within. Couros bring out the message that innovation for simply change sake is not how we should approach situations.  Innovation with time in thought along with open eyes and an open-mind is how we can delve deeper and enjoy what the sea of learning has to offer.

In the book Innovator’s Mindset George states, “Change is an opportunity to do something amazing.”

Get away from the shoreline and find something amazing! 

I ran across this picture a while back on the internet, and it stopped me in my tracks.  “Remember her? She is still there…inside you… waiting. Let’s go get her!

Take a minute and look at that picture and think about a time when you had this look on your face.  What was going through your mind when you had that face? I guarantee you were not thinking about all the problems in the world, the wrongs of the past, or worrying about the future.  You were most likely living unapologetically in the moment.

The best moments in my life have been when I channeled that girl. Whether it was randomly giving a co-worker a high-five in the hallway to dressing as a beekeeper and teaching my students how to do the “Honeybee Dance” (you had to be there).

The worst moments had always occurred when I became too concerned with the seriousness around me.  Being oblivious is not what I am suggesting at all, but there is something to be said for the old saying “Ignorance is bliss.” We need to love one another, support them, and show concern but you cannot give from an empty tank.

There is a one-word challenge on Twitter.  At the beginning of the year, Tweeps choose one word they want to emulate or incorporate into their life.   My word for this year is rejuvenate.

I want to try and remember being a kid and the sheer joy I felt from feeling the sun on my face, swinging on the playground, and laughing a little too loud.  I want to feel that sense of curiosity, bravery, and pushing the envelope (like swimming across a small lake when everyone said I was crazy).

That girl did some crazy, huge things, and she spent very little time questioning if she could. That girl suffered through nightmares, yet continued to laugh in the face of danger. She saw a mountain as a challenge, not something she could not climb. So many told her there was no way, but she knew she had to find a way. I WANT TO ALWAYS REMEMBER HER!

​

I challenge you to choose a word this year, one that touches your heart, and I ask you to take some time this year to remember the feeling of being in the moment. Once you remember him or her, GO GET THEM! 

Standing on the dock, I looked across that small lake and thought, “I have to try.”  I did not say a word to anyone around me, held my breath, dove in, and started swimming.  For me, I just had to swim across that lake.

That one event from the summer I was thirteen is so indicative of the person I wanted to be.  As a child despite many trials and throughout much of my life, I would get my eye on something intriguing or something that grabs my heart, and I jump in full-force putting my whole being into making it happen.  My soul catches fire, and all I can do is move.

Amy Pohler once said,   “Great people do things before they’re ready. They do things before they know they can do it. Doing what you’re afraid of, getting out of your comfort zone, taking risks like that … that’s what life is. You might be really good. You might find out something about yourself that’s really special. And if you’re not good, who cares? You tried something. Now you know something about yourself.”

While I shudder at the idea of being lumped into calling myself great, I like to label myself as “actively seeking better.”

I have to say that even at the age of 13 when my heart caught fire and I jumped into that lake, I did not jump in completely blind. I had capabilities and was a strong swimmer.  I had been on the swim team and built up strength. Coming from the past I had, I had such inner strength.  I had stood up to giants, and I knew that I could do this!

As I have gotten older, I have become more cautious concerning jumping in.  It can actually freeze me in my tracks, but I try to never stay frozen very long.  When I over-analyze or spend too long worrying is when I actually slip and fall.  I am much better when I use the freeze more like a pause, not allowing it to become debilitating. I attempt to use it as a gut-check to make sure I am still following my why. If it aligns with my heart and purpose, then I go for it.  If it does not, I let the moment slip by.

Failure is present in so many places in my life, but each time I have learned to reflect, remember I am human, determine how I would approach the situation in the future, and then begin to let it go.

I am not going to pretend that I am great at letting things go or that my process is quick. The struggle is real, but I cannot allow it to keep me from jumping in!

​

By the way, I stopped midway and tread water a bit and then made it all the way across that little lake. When I got to the other side and had to walk all the way back around due to being tired.  I felt this great sense of accomplishment. I knew no matter what I did in the future, I had done THIS and no one could take it away from me. 

​Hello,

 I wanted to share my best advice for the new school year in hopes it will inspire you.

 Procedures and expectations are very important and should begin on the first day and repeated often in the beginning. They are learning what it is to be in your classroom and those first few days will set the stage. Spending time on procedures will save you heartaches and time later. Taking the mystery out of your expectations helps build stability.

 However!

Do not overlook the passion and experiences that need to occur. As mentioned, you are setting the stage! Make it memorable!!!

1. Plan activities that will make students walk out of your classroom ready to walk back in. They should experience something in that first day that pumps them up about being in your room and being a part of a new team of students. This is just as important in High School as it is in Elementary. After all, don't we as adults want those experiences?

 2. Get them creating in the first day. Creation fires off the brain and helps them to take ownership. "Teach Like a Pirate", Dave Burgess, suggests using play-dough. Challenge them to create something with play-dough. Your goal is to walk around and talk with each individual student and have them tell you about their creation. Do not pass up your chance...you should have a one-on-one conversation with every child on that first day.

 3. Find a book or idea that leans itself to a discussion. Again, get them talking.  When you make that connection and getting them talking, you open their mind to learning.

 In Elementary, I always read books that would connect back to the culture I wanted to create. Books like "Stand Tall Molly Lou Melon," "Mr. Peabody's Apples," "Chrysanthemum," and more. High School, consider an excerpt that will ignite passion or get them thinking about what they will be learning.

 If you teach Math, Science, or other subjects. Find a really cool story, song, or fact related to your content that will get them thinking and shows the fun or cool factor in your content.

Remember, teaching and learning can be fun! After all, what do you remember about school? What teachers and classes make you smile when you think back?

 We have less than 180 days with these kids. Less than 1260  hours if you have them all day.  If you have them only 1 hour a day, that is 180 hours to make an impact and teach them what they need to know. How do you want to be remembered? What do you want them to learn from you?

Best wishes on the new year,

Crystal

It is essential to learn the proper questions to direct the learning process. Asking questions can help to create an environment of deeper thinking and even more so when the students are the ones that are posing the questions.

Have you ever had someone ask the right question?  What I am referring to is a question, that makes you pause and think.  Those that become good at asking the right questions drive thinking, can create changes

When students leave our classrooms and go out into the great wide open, long gone will be the days when someone is asking them questions to drive them to the next thought. We need students to learn to question and think for themselves. They need to learn how to analyze media and get to the root of what is being said.

Most knowledge is formulated in the earlier ages. Why? They wear everyone out with questions of course! It is amazing the number of wonders present in younger students.  They want to know about everything and are not afraid to ask.

The older students get, the less apt they are to ask questions. Part of this is because we are strapped for time and try to hurry it along, maybe we are afraid of the crickets (no one asking questions), or we are fearful of where the inquiry may go if the students control the asking. These fears result in teachers monopolizing the questions and robbing students of the opportunity to take ownership of the process. By the time these students are in middle school and high school, they have learned that having the correct answer is most important and the questions come from the teacher. This focus of attention tends to create an environment in which students do not want to look silly for asking a question.

We have to reverse the flow at times to get those students ready to be leaders and to empower them with the will to think about what they know is true and questions what they hear and read.How do we reverse the flow?Question Formulation Technique is a great place to start.

Step 1- Question Focus

Peek students interest in a topic with a picture, a statement, an article, a video, etc. It is important to not make it a question. This is a springboard for the questions that will be formulated. I would suggest presented this to the students ahead of time and allow them time to contemplate. You could post this on a class blog or on your LMS.  After all, where do we usually get ideas for research? Through the viewing of others presentation of knowledge of course!

Step 2- Questions

Begin propagating a list or cloud of questions (it doesn’t matter the shape). Have students ask as many questions as they can, do not stop to discuss, answer, or judge the questions. Write the questions exactly as the student poses them and have them change all statements they make into questions as well. You could use a Google Doc, Padlet, etc.

Step 3- Improve the Questions

Once the question time has ceased, begin looking at the questions that have been presented. Analyze and Identify the questions as Googleable or Non-Googleable. Consider at this time having students changing a question to a Non-Googleable question. This can be done by circling the Non-Googleable questions or possibly making a spreadsheet or chart separating the questions. Don’t dismiss Googleable questions as not important, because they can be vital to the research.

Step 4- Prioritizing Questions

Have students reflect back to the essential question and learning goal and create a focus for your research. Have students select the questions that would bring about the best research for the topic or goal. Discuss the rationale behind the decision to include the questions. This step takes the thinking from divergent to convergent and brings back a focus to what really needs to be known to complete the task. Giving students a rubric or creating a list of criteria will help students prioritize the questions.

Step 5- Next Step

Begin research, lessons, or projects. Students have a more thorough knowledge of what they are working on and to.

Step 6- Reflection

Use the questions to reflect on the learning whether it is lessons or projects. These questions can be used as a model for a Socratic Seminar type final review of the unit. Reflecting on the questions and knowledge learned helps the student to internalize and remember.

Remember, it takes time to build the classroom environment that allows questions to easily generate. Many students are out of practice, so scaffolding, in the beginning, is important. Once you build a culture of questioning, you will see a change at so many levels in your classroom.

“KNOWING THE ANSWERS WILL HELP YOU IN SCHOOL. KNOWING HOW TO QUESTION WILL HELP YOU IN LIFE.” – WARREN BERGER

References:

Rothstein, Dan, and Luz Santana. Make just one change: teach students to ask their own questions. Harvard Education Press, 2014.

“Teach Students to Ask Their Own Questions.” Right Question Institute, rightquestion.org/education/. 

Great leadership is not just finding the right people for the right job, but it is about unleashing talent, building upon strengths, and creating a culture of sharing.  Reflecting and taking ownership of our weaknesses is the only way innovation and growth can occur.

​Innovation involves taking the content, standards, and curriculum and looking at it through a new set of eyes.  Using technology to combine standards and skills,  allowing students to pursue their interests while staying within the realm of the what is needed to create a well-rounded student.  It can be done!

​One of the best things I have seen is when a Social Studies teacher was covering the Industrial Revolution.  Students were allowed to research topics of interest from that period.  For example, if a student were interested in medicine they may study medical advancements that took place like the smallpox vaccination.  Teachers can then require the students to connect that progress to today.  How did it change the way we look at diseases?  What can we learn from it? ... If a student is interested in mechanics, let them choose to research on that from that period.  The students can present, but they can also ask questions and discuss how these things connect during the industrial revolution, but also to today.

​We don't subtract the necessary pieces of education, but we add meaning by relating it to what is interesting to students.  Interest adds to engagement, which in turn increases opportunities for learning.

​Looking at innovation and "change as an opportunity to do something amazing"!-  George Couros 

"By working together, we can create better opportunities for all learners."- George Couros

Part II of Innovator's Mindset is all about relationships.   Relationships and a culture of trust that is student centered are key to creating an innovative and better culture within a community and school district.  Educators should come to the table with their own ideas, dreams, and wants, but we need to walk away from the table with a clear vision that is student centered.  This will entail a give and take from all sides with the understanding that the ultimate goal is the kids.  After all this is not about us, this is about them!  We are public servants, we are a beacon for the community, and we are the ones preparing our students to lead the future of the community.   

Couros shares the idea of the culture of “yes”! Yes, I will try.  Yes, I will take risks. Yes, I will allow myself to move out of my comfort zone in order to create a community of better learners.  He challenges us to approach each day of school with a smile.  Greet students in the hallway with “Good morning”, ask them about their dreams and listen, be careful of sarcasm for it can be the death of hope for many students. Be aware of students’ lives outside of school, but remind them that they are in charge of their future! The way we act and react sets the tone for the school and the attitude of students as well. 

Sure, we all get tired.  We have things going on at home, and so do the students. We have to try to create a safe zone at school that is as free of much of the angst that can be in life.    

School pride and risk-taking are vital to an innovative school culture.  Recognizing that our school is excellent, that we are great, and that we have fantastic students and teachers is the start to becoming the greatest! Recognizing teachers, community, administration, and student strengths are important.  However we have to remember a famous quote by Maya Angelou, ““I did then what I knew how to do. Now that I know better, I do better.”  There will always be room for improvement.  We should constantly be on the lookout for ways to improve or change things up.  When we do things in an algorithmic procedure of the same lessons or tasks year after year, it is easy for us. Yes we have had success in the past with it, and will probably have some success now, but the lackluster of emotion can create an environment of engagement.  If we can do it without much thought, then it may be time to innovate.

I read two things in this part that stood out to me and made me think, “Why” and “What if.”  We should start with the why before what and how.  So many times, we lose people, or there is miscommunication because we have never given the why behind what we are asking.  People can get behind an idea a lot quicker when they understand why it is being done or asked of them.  The why is important when teaching students skills and content as well.  When they see the value, they become invested.  The other question is “what if”.  Ask yourself what you would want your school to be.  Begin with “what if” and then start sharing your ideas.  When someone shares their thoughts, be supportive, ask questions, and keep in mind is it for our comfort or is it better for the students. 

These chapters burned a little.  I know there are some things that I need to work on in my walk. I challenge everyone to read “Innovation Mindset” and consider “What if.”  I need to keep in mind the pressures that are involved in being a leader, a teacher, and a student when talking with people.  Each person has expectations, needs, and wants. I need to focus on "How can I make their walk easier? " and  "How can I encourage and support people in innovation?"  

Quote from the book:

Learning and innovation go hand in hand. The arrogance of success is to think that what you did yesterday will be sufficient for tomorrow. -William Pollard

A school can have the latest technology and the most educated staff, but if the learning that takes place is exactly how it has been for the last 150 years then has any growth taken place?  

Three decades back and before students attended school to get information.  Schools were nearly the only source of knowledge, but that is not the case in this day in age.  Information is at the stroke of a finger.  Students can access facts and information in seconds.  Even more profound is that it isn't even one source or medium.  Articles, videos, pictures, and more can bring information to life right before their eyes.  The question is, why are so many still receiving an education that doesn't acknowledge this truth?

The students of this day in age need to learn to be able to decipher all of this information for what is truth and what is the fallacy.  Students need to be able to take information and use it to solve real problems.  People talk about the lack of communication skills of our students.  So much time is spent looking at their phone, tablet, or device, we complain.  What is going to happen when these students get out in the real world, how will they communicate? These devices are not going away.  It has been said that our students now have the worst technology they will ever own.  It is true!!! Education should be focusing on how to use information to think critically and creatively.  Students should be learning how to communicate their knowledge and collaborate with peers and leaders. They need to be learning how to connect information to other information and how it can change outcomes.  

George Couros challenges his readers to be innovative.  "Change for the sake of change is never enough". Educators should always go back to the why when facing a decision to change.   

I have always created a list with three categories. What went right? What went wrong? What was missing? This active reflection has always led me to action and goal setting to improve my craft.

As I stepped out of the classroom and into the role of support for the staff, I struggled with my heart still pulling me toward the classroom. The excitement of a newly decorated classroom with all of the anticipation passed me by, and I was now a bystander. I watched wonderful classroom moments and thought about how I would have loved to be in the mix of all that great learning. I missed the smiles, the giggles, the lights that go off when they finally get it. I missed the songs, the challenge of getting into the curriculum and still personalizing the learning to each student. It has been a struggle to find my stride in this new adventure, and I have made so many mistakes, but I have done some things right as well. As I reflected on this, I began addressing my job as an Instructional Technology Coordinator.

What went right? What went wrong? What is missing?

The list is a little murky this year. I have found that things that have gone wrong have led to things going right or a chance for me to learn and grow.

Isn't that the way is supposed to be? To grow, we have to go through things that are a bit painful at times. There is an adage that "nothing worth having comes easy." I challenge that things become worthy when the experience is hard because the struggle truly made us stop and think. Let's face it we are the proudest after we have worked hard at something and all of a sudden, it falls into place. There is a sense of perseverance, resilience, and empowerment associated with the struggle.

I will not share all of the things that went wrong this year because I have already processed those events, and I have chosen to push ahead. I will share what has gone right for me this year because it is a reflection of my pushing myself out of my comfort zone.

By nature, I am rather introverted and serious. I tend to run on the side of insecurity and the fear of failure. This year, I have been pushed to reach outside of myself.

​

The action of putting myself in the realm of presenting to groups, joining Twitter, and creating a larger presence online has led to me gaining so much knowledge from wonderful educators from all over the United States and other countries. Their thoughts and the things they are doing to make education a great experience for their students inspire me. This action of making myself vulnerable has allowed me to gain a deeper understanding of my core beliefs on pedagogy, methodology, and the integration of technology. I have started seeing the bigger picture, and I have begun connecting the dots of all of the things I have learned over the years from great teachers.

Now to the big question, what is missing? What are my goals? There are so many things that I find that I could say are missing, but I believe all of them connect back to relationships and balance. Here are the key goals I would like to devote time to next year.

Relationships!

o Stronger relationships can lead to meaningful PD.

o I would love to get into more classrooms, push in and help with lessons more often, and develop a more trusting relationship with my coworkers.

Balance!

o Expectations

o Heart and passion with understanding and grace

While I miss the classroom at times, I am unbelievably thankful for this opportunity and position. My heart has always been in problem-solving and fulfilling needs. The things that I have missed about the classroom can be solved by building better relationships with staff and getting into classes more. When I think about next year, I find that I have hope. After all, we are here on this Earth to learn and love, and I am still chasing them both.