Do we share the same vision? The vision of CHANGE!
Were you ever asked where you see yourself in 5 years? 10 … even 20 years? I remember when I was in college and I was being interviewed by a pledge sister within my sorority. This was a common question. I remember laughing at the “oh so young age of 20” thinking how on earth would I answer this question. I wasn’t quite sure of the answer, but the one thing I was certain of was that I would change! #changeforthebetter
I’ve spent more years in education than I was alive when I was asked that thought provoking question, yet no one has ever asked me where I see learning in 5 years. 10 years. Why is that? Do we not project change? Is education destined to be the one constant in everyone’s life? Do you have a vision? I do! Do we share the same vision and are you open to creating it together? Do we have 20/20 vision in education?
20/20 Vision: the clarity of vision; dependent on optical and neural factors, i.e., (i) the sharpness of the retinal focus within the eye, (ii) the health and functioning of the retina, and (iii) the sensitivity of the interpretative faculty of the brain.
What connection does the Wikipedia definition have to how we “see” within the educational system? My vision may be blurred, but this is my view:
20/20 Vision in Education: the clarity of a shared vision; dependent on an open mindset and forward thinking, i.e…. (i) big thinking precedes great achievement- Wilferd Peterson, (ii) learners instead of students – Innovator’s Mindset, (iii) understanding that there are “8 things to look for in TODAY’s classroom” -Innovator’s Mindset (and the understanding that those 8 things may/should change over time), (iv) relationships
Let’s share this vision! The only way we can possibly dive into this together is by asking our students, parents, community, AND one another. I am confident that I have integrated all “8 of these things” into my classroom over the last two years, but the one I am most often viewing under a magnifying glass is “opportunity for innovation“. This is my personal goal for growth, not only for my students, but myself! This is one area where my students must understand and appreciate their own passion and purpose so that they can open doors to their own learning.
What are your goals to fuel your passion? Mine are set… I hit the button to attend not one, but TWO incredible conferences this year! Why? GO BIG OR GO HOME! Top 2 Keynote Speakers in education…
- Dave Burgess is the New York Times Best Selling author of Teach Like a Pirate and co-author of P is for Pirate. Keynote in PITTSBURGH, PA next Thursday, October 27-28
- George Couros is a leading educator in the area of innovative leadership, teaching, and learning; author of Innovator’s Mindset. Keynote in Hershey, PA December 3-6
I can bring on the enthusiasm, options, idea generator moments, 30 Second Pitch, as well as open doors for them to embrace new ways of thinking, but if they do not make a connection to what they are most passionate about we will find ourselves with only a singular vision, and limited execution. Let’s not hallucinate! #fuelyourpassion
Vision without execution is hallucination – Thomas Edison
T.R.U.E. G.R.I.T. 