Things Weren't That Different Ten Years Ago, Were They?

Growing up in the 70s and 80's I can recollect with ease what I perceived to be monumental technological advances.  Back then when a new device, gadget, or electronic was introduced it was coupled with a sense of amazement. I can actually recall the details surrounding the circumstances.  Yes, I remember vividly getting a compact disc player (the first cd I purchased was Born To Run), a VCR (the first show I recorded was Days of our Lives, for my sister, I swear!) and a cordless telephone (the first person I called was my childhood crush who I dare not name because she is a teacher and may be reading this blog).

Perhaps it's because so much is coming at us so fast or maybe it is because I now experience the world as an adult, but the same cannot be said of the technological advances that I have experienced over the past decade.  Rather than announce their presence, the innovations I take for granted today have seeped into my life without fanfare and are not associated with any specific memory.

So, what does this have to do with learning in the 21st Century?

As educators we must recognize the profound difference between reaching the mind of a 10 year old who was in awe of a television remote control and a 10 year old who is carrying the world in the palm of his hand.

Although we are impressed, we are no longer surprised by the latest and greatest technological advances.  This has caused a fundamental shift in how learners view the world and more importantly how we view learning.


Ten Things I Did Today I Couldn't Have Imagined Doing 10 Years Ago

• I used Google Hangout to talk to my son who is away for the week
• I used Facebook to share information with relatives in Italy
• I read Tweets from educators from around the world
• I downloaded and began reading, VJ: The Unplugged Adventures of MTV's First Wave
• I went on You Tube and watched the original MTV broadcast that was referenced in the book
• I uploaded this post to my blog
• I listened to music on my iPod
• I used a GPS to get from Philadelphia to New York City
• I uploaded dates on to my Google calendar
• I paid bills and made a deposit online

10 Things I Learned on the Last Day of School

• The relationships between students and teachers are special
• It is a good day to reflect
• It is also a good day to look ahead and set goals
• No matter how old you are popsicles taste just a little sweeter
• Most kids are sad the year is over and are counting the days until the first day of school (only 63)
• The teacher’s room is filled with goodies
• 180 school days really isn’t all that much
• The more you give to your students the more you will get back
• We sure use a lot of paper
• We have the best job in the world

Everything is Awesome…When you are Part of a PLC

For those of you who know me or have followed my blog, you know that I recently spent two years out of the classroom as an Induction Coach for the Rhode Island Department of Education.  You may also know that I am finishing my first year back in my home district as a teacher in a K-3 school.  I wouldn't change a thing about my two years “on the road”, they were career defining and helped me to grow into the educator I am today.  However, as I reflect on an amazing year back in a school, I can’t help but appreciate the things that come with being part of a community.

10 Reasons Why Being Part of a Learning Community is Awesome

• Relationships
• Problem Solving
• Support
• Feedback
• Shared Vision
• Goal Setting
• Collegiality
• Professionalism
• Multiple Viewpoints
• Reflective Practices

How to be the World’s Greatest Colleague

• Take the time to really get to know the people you work with
• Keep an open door and open mind
• Contribute to conversations at all levels
• Share what's working for you and what's not
• Recognize the strengths of others 
• Smile...a lot!
• Be there for others when they need you
• Stay calm when things get tense 
• Hold yourself accountable and others will do the same
• Be on time, be present, and respect the norms of meetings

A Different View of Teacher Appreciation

Teacher Appreciation Week is upon us and that means flowers, luncheons, cards, and goodies in the teacher’s room.   Students, parents, and administrators are happy to recognize the many hours of hard work and unwavering dedication of the teachers in their district.  Receiving these accolades is certainly a wonderful feeling, but I would like to use this space to share some of the things that I appreciate about the job I love doing each and every day.

Ten Things I Appreciate as a Teacher

ap·pre·ci·a·tion

əˌprēSHēˈāSHən noun

The recognition and enjoyment of the good qualities of someone or something.

• Watching students give their best effort
• Laughter
• Supportive parents
• Those aha light bulb moments
• Contributing to the community
• Witnessing friendships being formed
• The questions (well, most of them anyway!)
• Learning from amazing colleagues
• Being a trusted adult for students
• No two days are ever alike

Good Luck, Good Bye, Bobby Jean

Since beginning this blog over a year ago, I have primarily used this space to share my thoughts and feelings about teaching and learning with others.  The motivation behind today's post is very different, and is deeply personal.  The other day, a long time colleague officially announced she would be retiring at the end of the year (her modesty prevents me from using her name).  For many, this news came as a shock because this is a teacher who is certainly not "burnt out" or on the "back nine".  In fact, I would argue she is as passionate and innovative as ever.   She toiled over the decision for months and ultimately came to the conclusion that it was time to walk away.  Although she will no longer be employed by our district, she will certainly continue to be a friend, mentor, and role model.

In 1983 during Bruce Springsteen's recording of Born in the USA, long time friend and guitarist Little Steven Van Zandt left the E Street band to pursue other opportunities.  Bruce wrote and added a song called Bobby Jean to what would be his biggest selling album ever.  The song is about saying farewell to someone you care for dearly, "I'm just calling one last time not to change your mind...good luck, good bye, Bobby Jean."

I could send this individual a card, call her up, or maybe I could even try writing a song for her.  For now I will just stick to what I'm most comfortable with, a top ten list!

10 Lessons Learned from my friend "Bobby Jean"

• No idea is too crazy to try out
• Teaching comes from the heart
• There is no such thing as caring too much
• Advocate for students no matter what
• Never stop learning from others 
• Give every lesson your all
• To be a teacher is to love what you do
• Relationships matter
• It's never about what's best for the teacher
• See the best in everyone around you

Who are your students? Just look in the mirror

I don’t remember the exact context but I was recently involved in a Twitter chat and answered a question with the following statement, “As Teachers the one thing we can truly control every day is our attitude...Others will mirror what we portray-no student should be stressed.” Despite, or rather because of, the current climate filled with high stakes testing and accountability, I stand by that statement 100%. The more I thought about it the more examples of how our behavior and attitudes truly impact the development of a student’s outlook toward school and learning.

 10 Ways Your Attitude and Behavior Can Set the Tone for Learning 

• If you’re stressed out, they’ll be stressed out 
• Greeting students as they enter the room tells them you are happy to see them 
• Introduce lessons with passion and excitement
• If you use sarcasm, so will they 
• Ask thought provoking questions 
• Value quality work and effort
• Smile whenever you can
• When you stay calm in the face of adversity they will too 
• Practice active listening with them and your colleagues 
• Counting down until the end of the year devalues everything you do with the days you have left