Innovation is magical! It is the face of change! As George Couros , author of Innovator’s Mindset would say, “An opportunity to do something AMAZING!” It comes in many forms and around many bends in life. Do you see it? Do you hear it? I do!
Where are you looking when you are trying to make change? When you are trying to move forward in an EDUworld that thrives on comfort and consistency. Sometimes it is hidden in the conversations I have with my own children. Other times it is hidden in a sidebar conversation with friends. Often, it is there… hidden behind the faces right in front of me. The question is am I looking?
Look right into the eyes of a child… and like a switch that flips, your ears will perk up to the words they are speaking.
Did you ever notice that eyes sparkle and dance when change is for the better? I love to see dancing in my children’s eyes.
My 15 year old son Trent sat down with me to have small talk. That talk ended up changing everything for me as a mom and an educator. “Mom, I love Mrs. Steff.” (His former ELA teacher in Junior High). I said, “Wow, that is pretty awesome… tell me why?” He went on to tell me she fought for him (tears as I type). When he wasn’t interested in the required readings she had given, she did everything in her power to open up the rubric so that he could connect to his passions of fishing and the outdoors. It was a game changer. His attitude towards work looked different. He was enjoying the game of learning. Yes, this is powerful! Change for the better… behind the scenes, yet not forgotten by my son.
My 11 year old son Jack said, “Mom, I love Mrs. Shadish (His former 5th grade teacher).” “I see that Jack… tell me why?” He went on to tell me “she got him.” She understood what made him tick. He needed to move about the room and she let him. He needed to be trusted and she did. He needed options and she was willing to make this happen. She built a relationship with him that fostered learning. His growth was outstanding. He went from proficient to advanced in his area of “weakness” on the state assessment. The response that came from him when he received his scores shattered my heart… “See mom, I’m not dumb.” Mind you he is an intelligent little guy that qualified for gifted and special education (for a “thought to be” learning disability in reading) all in the same evaluation.
We are creating our own legacy with the children we share our lives with… yes, sharing our lives! Making a lifetime impact that gives a child reason to believe in themselves and in learning. Innovator’s make this happen every day. As Dave Burgess, author of Teach Like A Pirate and President of DBC, INC, would say… “hook them”
How do innovators make this happen? They…
- Build Relationships
- Dig Deeper
- Trust and gift it
- Are Passionate
- Create Experiences
- Empower
- “Sell Dreams, not products“, as Steve Jobs’ said.
What hidden faces can you bring to the forefront so others can be inspired? Here are a few magical innovator’s that have impacted my life and the life of my students:
- Jason McKenna– Director of Educational Strategy – Robomatter
- Dr. Sam Fecich– Professor at Grove City College
- Elizabeth Merce– Kindergarten Teacher
Spread the wealth… Share this post and tag a few hidden faces of innovation that have inspired you!
T.R.U.E. G.R.I.T. 