I fell in love with teaching again today. I went to the TIES (technology) conference in Minneapolis for the past two days, and networked with some of the most amazing people from the teaching profession, both locally and from the Northern Hemisphere. I will be blogging more about the apps I'm going to be using more in first grade, but today was not about the apps. Today was about my mindset. I've been in a funk. For too long. Things go wrong, I'm too busy, I can't get this, etc. NO.MORE.EXCUSES!!!! I took this slide shot this morning from George's keynote. It spoke deeply to me.
I can make the changes I want with the right attitude. And the right support system. Do you have a PLN? A Personal Learning Network? Sometimes your support system is within your school. Your grade level team may be your best PLN. For others, their PLN is on Twitter, a Facebook Chat group, Instagram, etc. Mine is like my teaching background - eclectic. As George Couros said today during his slam-dunk keynote address, seek out teachers you can learn from, those who will support you and your efforts. This is George. He is truly inspirational and charismatic. He had everyone on his/her feet at the end of his motivational speech today.
Today I found myself at a pivotal point. I am ready to move in a new direction - away from standard classroom teaching and into a "my" model of 21st Century Classroom. It will still continue to be a journey, so I'm calling it "my" model for now. :) I am re-energized and ready to tackle what I set out to do in my 21st Century Classroom. I have not done what I wanted to do, but have now unlocked my mind to see the possibilities of what I can present to my students. I have always had high expectations for my students and they have always excelled because of that. Students and families love me for this; but I can do more!!! And after this wonderful, inspirational two days, I AM READY to move forward! Thank you, George Couros!!!
I can make the changes I want with the right attitude. And the right support system. Do you have a PLN? A Personal Learning Network? Sometimes your support system is within your school. Your grade level team may be your best PLN. For others, their PLN is on Twitter, a Facebook Chat group, Instagram, etc. Mine is like my teaching background - eclectic. As George Couros said today during his slam-dunk keynote address, seek out teachers you can learn from, those who will support you and your efforts. This is George. He is truly inspirational and charismatic. He had everyone on his/her feet at the end of his motivational speech today.
Today I found myself at a pivotal point. I am ready to move in a new direction - away from standard classroom teaching and into a "my" model of 21st Century Classroom. It will still continue to be a journey, so I'm calling it "my" model for now. :) I am re-energized and ready to tackle what I set out to do in my 21st Century Classroom. I have not done what I wanted to do, but have now unlocked my mind to see the possibilities of what I can present to my students. I have always had high expectations for my students and they have always excelled because of that. Students and families love me for this; but I can do more!!! And after this wonderful, inspirational two days, I AM READY to move forward! Thank you, George Couros!!!
