George Couros – Page 2 – T.R.U.E. G.R.I.T.

I’ve been pondering my #OneWord for 2018 over the last few days. Many words have spun through my mind, but yesterday I actually experienced one that spoke to me.

Pure “goodness” is what I witnessed as we drove home from the mountains in the frigid cold of winter.

A bitter day. A mere heat burst had just come through and lifted us up to 9 degrees. Not the type of weather you want to be out in.

As we sat in our cozy warm truck we thought nothing of the hours of driving ahead. Never once did we think we would need anyone but ourselves to make this simple journey home… one that has been driven countless times.

Never once did we think we would need to rely on goodness in this world. In a society that lives with such fear and ugliness.

Do you worry? Do you fear harm coming your way… often wondering if pure goodness still walks the earth. I am not a natural worrier, but I do have others in my life that are… that find it difficult to trust, especially once they are scarred by fear.

I live in the moment. Generally not worrying about what lies ahead.

I believe in good.

The moral compass of goodness.

Don’t get me wrong, I am not saying that the world is not filled with kindness and those paying it forward. But as much as I feel goodness is a lot like acts of kindness, I do see a difference. As I create and instill this value with my students, these random acts can be calculated and in the safety of our own terms and conditions. Yes, they are amazing and wonderful and need to happen… even if we have to create the opportunity ourselves. However, I feel goodness spontaneously spills over in a moment… not necessarily a choice but rather a “moral or value” to live by.

goodness (ˈɡʊdnɪs)
n
1. the state or quality of being good
2. generosity; kindness
3. moral excellence; piety; virtue

Pure goodness is what I felt yesterday… moral excellence in another person.

As we drove down the highway, our check engine light came on and we had to pull over. Just as we came to a stop, we put our hazards on warning others of our situation. That’s when I witnessed goodness… a vehicle pulled up behind us without hesitation. Let’s face it, most people drive right by those in need… most likely assuming everyone travels with a phone these days and the chance of something bad happening overpowers the good.

We were lucky enough to not need assistance so we waved him along. He waved back and off he went down the highway. Pure Goodness rang through me. I had warmth in my soul. It felt to me to be beyond a random act of kindness. To me it felt that the traveler lived in the moment of goodness… the right thing to do… so pure.

This moment stayed with me for the rest of the ride. I never actually met the person, nor did he physically do anything to impact me, but his goodness had a lasting effect. The kind that changes the world. The kind that changes it for the better!

So I choose GOODNESS… PURE GOODNESS! I want to be able to give another person that same rekindled spirit and belief that there is goodness in the world. I want to act on what I believe and not live in fear of what the world has shown us through the lens of destruction. I myself have been a part of that destruction on a smaller scale. Maybe not news worthy, but so not okay nontheless. Oh, I mess up… life gets tricky. I have chosen a less admirable path over time… truth. I make no excuses. I own it. Now, I am empowered… with a better choice. I will take this opportunity and I will own it!

As Pirate leaders and teachers, we refer back to a compass quite often as we steer learning and leading within our districts and communities. Having my compass continuously point to good is so challenging when I am faced with negativity and unkind words. It is so crippling to have others choose negativity towards my actions of an open mindset. A mindset I have been blessed with through the actions of George Couros, the author and speaker that is changing the face of education with an educational best seller “Innovator’s Mindset”.

This year my compass will point to goodness. The pure kind to which my actions will live in every moment. I won’t overthink the reaction. I will not fear the negative closed mindset of individuals too afraid to create positive change. I will not fear being disliked. I will not fear being called out by closed mindsets. So go ahead…

Call me out…

because I will become the good! Compass set… I will strive for pure goodness!

for more #EMPOWERING music CLICK HERE

Domain 1: Planning and Preparation, Domain 2: Classroom Environment, Domain 3: Instruction, Domain 4: Professional Responsibilities

Make it a GOOD YEAR: BLIMP Worthy

December 27, 2017December 31, 2017 nankr1120

Did you ever catch a glimpse of the Goodyear Blimp and think WOWZA… now that is AMAZING! Think about it… simply stated this MASSIVE balloon floats through the sky and takes your eyes off of just about anything that you are doing! Did you ever read the history of the blimp? The key words are “momentum, unique, expand, and creation!” Sound familiar? The ride in education is just as eye opening!

What if our students caught a glimpse of the New Year that is about to begin in our very own classroom AND had that same reaction? Wouldn’t that be EPIC? That’s what I am aiming for… I most definitely want to BRING IT in 2018! I am committed to making learning BLIMP Worthy for my students!

I decided to go back to my T.R.U.E G.R.I.T foundation and from there I build my “G” for new Goals! I have learned over time to keep my goals attainable with a twist of Risk that could possibly fail, but worthy of learning through. Overall this year, I am honing in on the T and R in T.R.U.E and G and R in G.R.I.T.

T: Take Risks! I am a natural born risk taker so this area can be… let’s just say interesting for me. I am a sharer by nature because that is the way I learn. I love to attend conferences, but I never once thought of speaking at one myself until one day I was hooked when this one simple idea was planted in my head. So… I took a risk… I submitted my first proposal to speak at a conference in February and was approved this past month. Risk! I must model this for my students, colleagues, and my PLF! I will own it, whether that makes it a hit or not is yet to be seen, but I will BRING IT to The Mid-Atlantic Conference on Personalized Learning (MACPL) right here in Pittsburgh!

R: Resilience~ Be Tough! This amazing movement in education is tough! Push back from all angles makes it so challenging to move forward. Each day brings a different hurdle…

Educators who have a different philosophy or simply fear the change.
Parents that are left with questions of uncertainty for the change is so skewed from their own experiences in the classroom.
Students who find the simple change in structure challenging by bringing an unknown to their compliant predictable world.

We must be tough… we must keep our focus on every child and stand strong for what every child deserves! How do I stay resilient?

I will continue to surround myself with positive mindsets and goal driven educators through twitter chats, Voxer PD groups, book studies, conferences and other possibilities on the horizon. I will remind myself of what I have been taught by incredible educators in my life and will seek new relationships to create a stronger mind within myself!

G: Goals! Blimp Worthy Goals!

My #1 goal is: To find the standards to which I am accountable for beyond my professional portfolio that reflects the Danielson Framework
Create categories in my blog so that I can build a portfolio of my learning, as well as my teaching by connecting my actions to the betterment of education.
Create a blog for my class on WordPress!
Place #EDUAwesome books in the hands of others! Share my blessings of the many DBC books in my possession so that others can see “Change is as an opportunity to do something AMAZING!” –George Couros
Bring 30 Second Pitch to other classrooms! I must open doors for students beyond my own room… they need options so that each child can make choices as to where their learning can go. In place of the compliance that traps a child into being dependent upon a teachers response of yes or no, we need independent thinkers that are empowered to create opportunities! Empowerment… that is what I believe future employers dream of in an employee and the 30 Second Pitch can Bring It! #growth

R: Responsible! I am accountable for how I serve my students, leading my team (Lead Like A Pirate), and how others feel about the change in education via my positive projection. I will foster goodness through my conversations, actions, and teaching. I will hold myself accountable for thinking inside the box in which I serve, while continuing to break down the walls of a closed mindset in education!

I am looking forward to a GOOD YEAR… what can you do to create the same for you and your students?

Domain 2: Classroom Environment

Guaranteed Impact: make it POSITIVE!

December 23, 2017June 21, 2019 nankr1120

When a child walks into your life, what thoughts race through your head? Are they thoughts of…

excitement? Excitement for the opportunity to have someone’s precious child in your life. A chance to make a difference. A gift of time to impact their life… to open doors and encourage them to walk through!

wonder? Wonder of who they are under that smile… frown… or look of fear. Wonder of how you will connect and build a relationship that will set sail the journey of learning together.

worry? Worried that you may not be able to connect. Worry that they may be the most challenging student you have had to date. Worried that their own life may hold them back from trusting you. Worry that you don’t have enough time in a day to make a difference.

judgement? Judgement of who they are…

When you walk into a child’s life, are their thoughts the same? Are you setting the stage for a relationship with EVERY child…

Do you make school exciting? Do you give them a reason to be there?

Do you create a connection to every child or do they wonder why they don’t fit in your world like others do?

Do you foster a caring environment? One that eliminates worry from their life… possibly the only stretch of time in their day to let their shoulders down.

Do your students feel judged? Or do you give every child a “Planet Fitness: Judgement Free Zone”?

This Christmas I received a very special gift from a very quiet and reserved child. A child that walked into my room withdrawn, with limited social interaction, lack of engagement, and little interest in school. None of this due to home life… as a matter of fact he comes from a beautiful loving family that builds him up and sets him off each day to conquer the world trusting that his teacher will bring out his best.

This precious child handed me a special gift. Then he did something that caught me off guard… he insisted on opening it for me, which warmed my heart to the core because he was so invested in the moment. He unwrapped a snow globe that took my breath away. It had a 3 dimensional silver snowflake with the words WISH*LOVE*HOPE that sparkled while music played and snow floated effortlessly within the globe. He said, “Oh Mrs. Nan, I know the snow globe is nice, but look what it says to you.” To which I looked at the inscription that read:

“Students may forget what you said, but never how you made them feel.”

Tears of joy streamed down my face. Not the first time my students have seen my emotions. Why? Because they impact my life!

Over the months we connected. We found his passion of art and embedded it into his learning through sketch-noting (THANK YOU Carrie Baughcum @HeckAwesome in my EDUAwesome @Twitter PLF) This child is now engaged. He is building relationships stemming from the one that we created together. He is happy to be in school and moving his bright mind forward with each given day. He is a #LeadLearner with Sketchnoting, #MakeyMakey and #Osmo in class. He has found relevance in learning and a purpose for being a part of a learning community. He is empowered!

I start my Christmas vacation with heart full… of love and joy for I know that I have lived by my own advice…

You WILL have impact on EVERY child… it is up to you whether it is POSITIVE or negative!

So with that I leave us with my favorite George Couros quote from one of my favorite books, Innovator’s Mindset:

Merry Christmas! May your holiday be as bright and beautiful as YOU!

Domain 4: Professional Responsibilities

The Power of a Keynote: an investment in our future!

December 4, 2017December 31, 2017 nankr1120

Why does one go to a conference? What draws a person in? The conference mailings arrive weekly in my mailbox at school. For some I open, but for most I toss them straight into the garbage. In order for it to grab my attention it needs to provide me with more than my daily growth within my PLN and twitter. (Twitter alone nurtures my love for teaching and can be done from the comforts of my home.) It cannot just be a buzz word. It must be legit. So for me it is the keynote. The person chosen must be relevant to teaching and learning… not only for my students, but for me.

So how did #SASInstitute2017 get it right? For starters, they sought out one of the most powerful influences in education today… George Couros, author of Innovator’s Mindset!

George is key to my attendance. It really is that simple. I am an educator making positive change in the classroom. I am pushing myself forward every day without a conference, so for one to grab my attention, be worth my financial investment, and hold value to my students and to me, it must have impact!

IMPACT: the kind that pulls on every emotion possible! The kind that changes me for the better!

Truths that were spoken by George… hard core truth:

Truth: “Learning is your job so stop whining and settle down.” (I about jumped up and gave him a standing ovation!)

Truth: “If you do not have a twitter account you are no longer relevant to teaching!”

Truth: “If you still have a computer lab, the question is do you have a pencil lab too?”

Truth: “Isolation is now a CHOICE that educators make!”

Truth: “Do kids do it because of school or in spite of it?”

Truth: “Data driven is the stupidest term in education!”

Truth: “Stop making excuses!”

Truth: “What serves kids the best?”

Truth: “Make the positive so loud that the negative becomes almost impossible to hear!”

Truth: “CHANGE IS AN OPPORTUNITY TO DO SOMETHING AMAZING!”

The energy in itself… the mere magnitude of educators buzzing with enthusiasm has drawn me in to conversation. Conversation that I don’t normally engage in. (Don’t laugh too hard… I have the gift of gab, but I’m talking about the choice to put myself in conversation.) The truth is, I don’t like the downers… the fun suckers… closed mindsets. Most groups I have encountered at school conferences have always included closed mindsets. One that sucks the positive life right from my soul. But this conference is different… the buzz is about George. His truths. His innovative practices. His doors he opened… for us! His relationships he nurtured… with us. In turn, I have engaged beyond the keynote… into small groups… lunches… dinners… downtime. I came with an amazing group of educators, connected with my twitter family, and am growing each day with incredible educators! The power of a keynote has created an opportunity for me to do amazing things!

8598AFC1-22E6-497D-8BFB-D2F1B270C5C1 — Game Changer: George Couros and yours truly!

Fabulous colleague and goal driven friend, Donna Steff

Domain 1: Planning and Preparation, Domain 3: Instruction, Domain 4: Professional Responsibilities

Creating Change Agents

November 28, 2017December 31, 2017 nankr1120

Most often people choose teaching as a profession because they want to create change… change for the better! Some will even tell you that their own experience was so negative they felt compelled to become “the change” that children need in the classroom.

Do you feel our children deserve more… do they need more? If so the question is… are we delivering instruction in a way that will create this opportunity?

I often wonder why so many graduates are cramming for interviews. Literally, I have witnessed interviewees grab hold of books such as Innovator’s Mindset (George Couros), Teach Like A Pirate (Dave Burgess) and STEAMMakers (Jacie Maslyk) right before interviews in order to gain the edge on hiring.

Why are they cramming?

Do you feel our future teachers continue to prepare the same way as teachers did 5… 10… even 50+ years ago? Are we helping to create change or are we still teaching and learning in a way that is no longer relevant in today’s society?

If we are given the opportunity to create change in education why wait until teachers are graduated and in the trenches to fire them up with incredible learning opportunities?

Let’s look at what current educators are doing to move the world of education forward and in turn pass this practice down to our future educators.

Let’s connect with future teachers.

Let’s make change.

Dave and Shelley Burgess of Dave Burgess Consulting Inc. have gifted education with a platform that works as a springboard for innovative teaching. Are these revolutionary resources accessible to every college student preparing to be a teacher?

If not, we must ask ourselves a very important question… Why are we preparing our future with the same mindset we are trying to alter?

Are we creating experiences for our students? Are we still using the traditional checklist that no longer reflects the future of our students or better yet the future of the work force!?

What is guiding our future teaching practices?

In my opinion, you cannot advance a student’s depth of knowledge with a five day death march of a story that was taken from the required/chosen anthology.

Has anyone asked their students? Do students really want to read the same story over and over for mastery? Mastery of what? Who needs skill when you can memorize the central idea of a story by reading and rereading day after day?

Don’t get me wrong, we are all in tune with Bloom’s Taxonomy and how to embed higher level thinking into the traditional way of learning, but that is simply not good enough anymore! Our children deserve more… they need more and we must deliver our instruction differently to serve them the best possible way. Our children need to be engaged in their learning where by they are empowered to move their education forward by choice and not through compliance.

It is not a free for all… there is accountability for all of us. There is definitely a place and purpose for philosophy, domains, and pedagogy. But who ever said that it had to come from the same mindset and discipline that was used all those years ago. We must have accountability to change with the times! As George Couros of Innovator’s Mindset so eloquently states,

“Change is an opportunity to do something AMAZING!”

Over the last two school years, I have had the privilege of being a virtual cooperating teacher for future educators of Grove City College in Grove City, Pennsylvania. Education majors are required to take a technology course their freshman year. One of the professors is Dr. Sam Fecich and she is a change agent! She is connecting our future teachers to classrooms while instilling skills for both the future leaders in education as well as the current classroom teacher. Her students are building their PLN (Professional Learning Network) on twitter and engaging in meaningful learning with a variety of resources including books posted above. Dr. Sam, along with the education department of GCC, is making change in current practice… investing in our future!

If we really want to educate future teachers to be AMAZING CHANGE AGENTS we need to communicate at all levels. Colleges, universities, public and private school systems, along with the community and work force… we must sit down at the same table and break bread together. We need to share in the same meal, prepared by the same hands, and with immense compassion and understanding have the conversation that WE share in the responsibility to MAKE CHANGE FOR THE BETTER!

Why?

Because…

When you know better, you do better!

Domain 4: Professional Responsibilities

#IMMOOC Week 6: The Impact of Others

November 5, 2017March 21, 2018 nankr1120

The IMMOOC journey is the epitome of innovation! When you are having fun, are engaged, and find relevance in your own learning… TIME FLIES! After 6 weeks of breaking down and rebuilding my mindset, I find myself with more enthusiasm than ever before. I am full of ideas, reflection, and energy as I head into week 7 of “innovative leading.”

A NEW MINDSET. One that has been shaped and formed by many hands. I cannonballed into IMMOOC knowing that my life, not only as an educator but as a mother, wife, daughter, and friend, would never be the same. Little did I realize that the relationships formed through blogging would impact me in a way unlike any other.

If I am being R.E.A.L. , there are so many posts that have touched my life, from Mike Mohammad, Tara Martin, to Annick Rauch and countless others in-between It is so easy to continue to grow with their posts and views as they are the foundational family to my blogging. So I challenged myself weeks ago to read more, reflect more, and open myself to others as that is what this journey is truly about.

Then came the final blogging challenge of the season. George Couros asked us to reflect on 3 other posts. Challenge accepted. Here are 3 that resonated within me:

CHANGE STARTS WITH ME by Jillian Schulte

“The more we believe in the power of “me” (the power of our own ability to initiate change) the stronger will be our power of “we” (our collective ability to move the needle forward).”

Why Are We Still Assigning Homework? by Katie Martin

“As we think about what it means to be “smart” and what we will value, we have to acknowledge that information is abundant and rather memorizing and regurgitating content, we need students and educators who can learn, think, and act in ways that create new and better opportunities for those we serve. This requires that we examine traditions in education, like homework that may actually get in the way of learning and innovation.”

“In the spirit of trying new things, I’m going with Tumbler for my blog and sketch noting my takeaways from Innovator’s Mindset.”

I am not ending this #IMMOOC season with week 6… I am simply taking the fire lit under me and burning a new path in my journey! Let’s light the world on fire… together!

Domain 4: Professional Responsibilities

#IMMOOC Week 5+: When You Know Better… You Do Better

October 28, 2017December 31, 2017 nankr1120

When you know better, do you actually do better? Or do you tell yourself that somehow, some way you have been given this gift that supersedes all knowledge and experience of others in your path? Who is it that you imagine will show you a better way? Is that person older, wiser with age or experience? Are they new to the scene? Do you have an image of better in your mind whereby all others are unable to get in?

Do you allow all creators of “better” into your world?

Do you let others break you down?

Better yet, are you willing to break yourself down in order to build a better you? To repair with gold or silver knowledge and experience.

I look back at the last year of my life and I sit in awe! The people that have come into my life are absolutely remarkable! Let me rephrase… the people I opened my life up to are remarkable! Professionally, I have connected with over 700 other educators through twitter alone. But let’s get real, they weren’t knocking down my door… I was pounding on theirs! I wanted more! I wanted better! I needed them in order to find the better me!

I have read over 10 books affiliated with education in one year. May not seem like a lot to an avid reader, but for me, 10 books is like producing, filming and starring in my own movie! It takes time!

That wasn’t enough though… I have built an in-house PD platform for colleagues to borrow books from me. I am leading my first book study on #tlap in 10 short days for my district. This study will once again connect me with educators to help create the gold glue of knowledge that fills my better person.

I took the leap from lurker to full fledge #IMMOOC member with leading educator in innovation and author of Innovator’s Mindset George Couros! I have read, reread, chatted, tweeted, blogged, and found myself in passionate conversations about this life-changing experience. I have colleagues that have turned into friends… ones that have pushed me to push myself.

“Get R.E.A.L. … tell your Kristen Nan story!”, said Tara Martin

This gave me the desire to look for conferences that could connect me to my #IMMOOC #tlap family. Which takes me to the most incredible, powerful, unforgettable, “better me” transformation I could have asked for… yes, my last 2 unforgettable days with New York’s Time’s best-selling author of Teach Like A Pirate, DAVE BURGESS!

Let me tell you about this POWERFUL experience…

in my next blog! #hooks

Domain 1: Planning and Preparation, Domain 2: Classroom Environment, Domain 3: Instruction, Domain 4: Professional Responsibilities

#IMMOOC Week 5: Exploring 20/20 Vision

October 21, 2017December 31, 2017 nankr1120

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.

–Wikipedia

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

Domain 1: Planning and Preparation, Domain 2: Classroom Environment, Domain 3: Instruction

30 Second Pitch: Engage-vs-Empowerment #IMMOOC

October 16, 2017January 26, 2018 nankr1120

If we are truly trying to transition learners to leaders, don’t we also need to transition from today’s buzz word engagement to the future of empowerment?

A powerful and impactful challenge flag was thrown last year by my new administration… 100% engagement for all students, all day… and yes, every day! That was a challenge that I couldn’t wait to get ahold of within my classroom. It was absolutely incredible to see my students embody my love for learning. Was this for the day? The week? The month? That is when it happened. The moment I realized that engaging my students was only going to be sustainable if I empowered them! WOW! That was a moment!

“A moment“… that was what I needed to give my students. I started with asking them to pitch me an idea in 5 minutes or less. I gave a little criteria, but I didn’t want to close their minds to revolve around my thinking, so a laundry list of stipulations went right out the window. I simplified and initially gave 5 minutes. FIVE MINUTES is a LONG TIME! Either they know what they want or they don’t. Period.

Dave Burgess, author of Teach Like A Pirate, says, “I’m more than willing to take advantage of and influence everything around me to increase my students’ chances of success.” Yes, that is my thought exactly! How can I teach like a pirate? Here it is- challenge the holder of the hook… They need to hook ME! My students need to be the ones creating the hooks too!

EMPOWERMENT:
-authority or power given to someone to do something; the process of becoming stronger and more confident, especially in controlling one’s life and claiming one’s rights

This definition is embedded in my brain so I reread Innovator’s Mindset, again and again! I needed an example… something concrete. I absolutely love how George Couros shared his moment with engage vs empower.

“So instead of trying to create engaging content for my students, I decided to turn it over to them. Deep Learning occurred- they understood and remembered what they taught each other. I had given my students control over their learning, and the change in atmosphere was palpable.” –George Couros, Innovator’s Mindset

Then the moment came when a student came to me and asked for the use of Ozobots outside of tech stations. YES, I was that teacher… the one excited and willing to bring as much technology in as possible, (Thank you donorschoose.org and my supportive community) but ONLY used it in isolated learning moments… UGH! Weekly, even daily isolated moments, but I literally separated it from the content! What was I thinking?

So, on this particular day it just so happened that I barely had the 5 minutes to spare… no time to hear why or how they could possibly make this applicable to character, setting, and the plot of our story so I challenged them to tell me in 30 seconds or less.

#30SECONDPITCH

Mrs. Nan, I can CREATE a setting based on the chapter we are in today. I can CONNECT it to technology by using Ozobots. I may need to go on to the computer to look at a coding idea that I have, but that isn’t a big deal because “Rachelle AKA RESOURCE” is an expert and can show me. Oh, and then I can turn the Ozobot into a character and have it navigate the setting. AND I would really like to blog (MOMENT) about it after! #micdrop

WOW… the excitement in my student literally infused the pitch into my mind in LESS THAN 20 SCEONDS! It reminded me of Jacie Maslyk asking me what my “1 minute elevator pitch” would be like. My response, “What is an elevator pitch?”

“It’s that 1 minute when (insert name of famous person) walks into the elevator with you and you have your chance to tell them your brilliant idea before the elevator doors open again. It’s your brief moment to grab their attention, pull them in, and convince them that yours is the next great idea.” –Jacie Maslyk, STEAMMakers

This was it… the moment the 30 Second Pitch came to life!

30 Second Pitch:

Mindset: this is your creative moment… approach it with excitement and use your creative juices!
Connect4: Explain how you can connect your idea to technology BEYOND our 4 walls of learning!
Research: Call on your resources! Collaborate ~ Communicate ~ Dig into your idea! #WhoIsYourCrew
Moment: This is YOUR TIME TO SHINE! How will you do it? #VoiceAndChoice

I have shared this with a few of my colleagues, as well as many parents, who have been curious as to how on earth I can justify the use of this technology (Hour of Code, Sphero, Ozobot, Osmo, Edmodo, Canva, Snap-Circuits, Bloxels, Makey Makey, EdPuzzle, Scratch, and more) in my room. How can I possibly teach the “curriculum/book” and also have time for this? Well, to be clear, I actually teach skills. The PA Common Core skills that are a foundation to the success of every child in 3rd grade. How I teach that skill is choice… and not just mine. When I really want to know how to make something happen (the thing that will light the world on fire) for my students, I simply ask! They always tell. #empowerment

Note: Thank you JESSE REESE for the incredible “piece of art” you created out of my very sloppy notes! YOU ROCK! #grateful

Domain 4: Professional Responsibilities

#IMMOOC Week 4: Climb A Ladder or Take The Ride

October 14, 2017December 31, 2017 nankr1120

Relationships! RelationSHIPS! RELATIONSHIPS!

With a goal driven mind, there is always the question whirling around in my head of what will be next personally and professionally. Am I satisfied? Do I envision more? Is this enough… at least for the moment? There are times I feel accomplished. Other times I feel defeated by the mere expectation I had for the outcome that never graced the highest rung on my ladder.

“IF WE WANT TO CREATE A CULTURE OF INNOVATION, WE MUST FIRST FOCUS ON FURTHERING OUR OWN LEARNING AND GROWTH.”

–George Couros, Innovator’s Mindset

That ladder… the one with extensions that project beyond the ceiling of my ability. It doesn’t intimidate me. It doesn’t hang over my head giving me boundaries to my dreams. It is more often the driving force that fuels my fire to reach higher and higher. I am a dreamer. Dreaming matters. It helps me become what I aspire to be. I thrive on “greatness” in every sense of the word. I am driven to achieve beyond my own ability with the deliberate decision to place myself in the presence of opportunity. I’ve said it before and I will say it again, staying stagnant is my worst nightmare. Therefore I shall dream! Therefore I shall connect! #relationships

When the rungs of the ladder feel like a mile apart, how do I find the strength to pull myself up one more step? The ultimate pirate Dave Burgess says it best, “Find your crew! All Pirates travel with a crew; you can’t sail, navigate, and fight battles on your own.” Oh, is he right! My crew is what helps me to reset my inspirational compass so that it points straight forward.

My crew is how I gather the strength to place my hand on the next rung. That strength turns into inspiration. The inspiration fuels my dreams. My dreams turn into my reality. My crew is not limited to the boundaries of my district (although I have AMAZING people around me every day). My crew is global thanks to twitter (and blogging of course)! They may not even realize it, but they are my crew in every sense of the word: Dave Burgess, Tara Martin, George Couros, Katie Martin, Alice Keeler, Annick Rauch, Aaron Hogan, my IMMOOC family and many more. I am the teacher I am today because of this crew! Breaking down the walls… taking the ride! #twitter #tlap #IMMOOC

Yes, I must climb the ladder to reach my goals, but it is just as important that I stop and take the ride! It’s the ride that rejuvenates my soul. It’s the ride that makes me laugh uncontrollably… call it a joyride if you must. Just as the sea captures the spirit of a pirate, this ride has my hair blowing in the wind, with nothing but joy flooding my mind.

Tag: George Couros

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