“This post is week 2 of 8 in the 8 Weeks of Summer Blog Challenge for educators.” Week 2 Prompt: Share the most important/impactful professional learning in which you have participated, so far. How did it impact your practice moving forward? The most impactful professional learning I have participated in, to date, has been participating in the Learning Forward Academy.
First of all, Learning Forward is the only professional organization designed specifically for those who are in the business of leading professional learning. The Academy is a two and half year continuous learning process that utilizes the model of inquiry and problem based learning to support Academy members in solving a significant problem within their organization. Participating in the Academy changed me...profoundly. It deeply impacted my beliefs and my professional practice - especially around change and initiating sustainable change. It provided a collaborative and supported environment to engage in deep, real work while learning to fully embed the Learning Forward Standards. I'm not going to lie...there were moments of real cognitive struggle during this process. But I (was) pushed forward. My team members, my coaches, my personal drive all pushed me forward. And I learned and I became...different. Change doesn't occur without learning. Learning doesn't occur without a substantial change in knowledge, skills, beliefs and aspirations. Change in beliefs leads to changes in practice. Change in practices leads to different outcomes for kids. That's the goal. That's my purpose.
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It's my 1st Blog Post! I've been thinking about starting a blog for some time now, and the #8weeksofsummer Blog Challenge was just what I needed to get motivated. So..... “This post is week 1 of 8 in the 8 Weeks of Summer Blog Challenge for educators.”
This week's Challenge Prompt: Reflecting on the past school year, what is your biggest area for professional growth going into next school year? I am very motivated to learn more about infusing technology into professional learning opportunities. I've been watching the schools around me join the 1:1 movement. I've watched them evolve from using technology as an "after the learning" activity to using technology as an avenue for learning. I've cheered them on! I've championed their bravery and courage! And yet.......I've continued to plan professional learning opportunities in the same fashion as I've been doing for years. I know, I know......how can I ask educators to try new things and embed new practices......while I continue to bury my head in the sand and pretend that my world of teaching isn't changing. So, I'm biting the bullet...is there a more tech savvy way of that saying?!?!?!? See? I have so much to learn! So my challenge to myself is practice what you preach! The "next" school year may not be here yet, but I am already starting my learning journey. The hardest part of any journey is taking the first step. 1st Step Taken! This summer I am leading two online book studies - using different platforms for each - you know, I'm trying them on for size.. And I'm experimenting with this "blog thing." Right now, I don't know what I don't know - so any suggestions or pointers are welcome and greatly appreciated!! |