I believe that we are at the stage where we have enough technology available to be able to personalize learning for every student. We no longer have to aim to the "average" student that doesn't even exist. Instead we can meet each student where they are. Help them set goals that are meaningful to them personally and give them the opportunity to own their own learning. As a teacher, it will be my priority to ensure the success of every single one of my students while making learning more organic and meaningful.
I believe that the natural companion of personalized learning is project based learning. To make learning more meaningful, it should be necessary and authentic. Instead of sending students to school to learn to do something for when they are in the "real world" accept that the real world is here and now. Students don't have to wait to do something real and meaningful, they can do it right now, in their classroom. I believe in helping students identify the problems they want to solve and then facilitate their work on a personal level.
It is important to allow students to follow their passions while giving them a firm foundation. As an educator, I am all about creativity within the box. Direct instruction is a tool that works. It doesn't need to be abandoned, just used in a more authentic and focused way. Students can learn the content required by the Virginia Standards of Learning, score well on end of year testing, follow their passions, and love learning.