Sunday 26 February 2017

TCEA 2017

"Your network is your net worth". - Dr. Nadia Lopez, founding Principal of Mott Hall Bridges Academy, NYC

I've been mulling for nearly two weeks over how to best express my sincere appreciation and gratitude for having the opportunity to attend TCEA2017.  While I've had some opportunity to try out and dabble in some of the activities/websites and lessons I experienced during the conference, life and previous commitments tend to get in the way of fully exploring it all. One of the sessions I really enjoyed was hosted by Aaron Rogers, an assistant principal at a school in Texas. The session was titled "How Blogging Improved My Practice".  Aaron encouraged attendees to blog about what we have learned and what we are currently learning. He believed that in doing so, teachers will discover that they can:
  • Reject isolation
    • Reflect purposely, and 
    • Share vulnerably.  
    It was in his session that I realized that this blog can be much more than just a place to share photos and news about our learning within the classroom.

    This conference, much like the FETC conferences I attended in 2014 and 2010, was a great opportunity to learn about advancements in educational technology.  What I discovered, is that although 7 years has passed since that my first international conference and that while the technology has improved, the best practices and fundamentals of teaching have not changed. We are here, I am here, to ensure that all students learn to be the best versions of themselves and to learn how to learn. Technology is just one of many tools to help students and teachers. I realized that I need to practice these fundamentals myself.  I need to ask, am I the best version of myself? Do I demonstrate a love of learning? Do I strive to improve, and live to learn?

    I have always been interested in the area of teacher motivation and teacher engagement. I love learning, in fact I might be a little obsessed with it. I have been a member of the Pembina Trails Teacher's Association's Professional Development committee for about a decade. I embrace the opportunity to share my ideas and learning by leading presentations to teachers and the public about a variety of topics at every opportunity. As many of you know, I am also the training coordinator for the Manitoba Geocaching Association. I credit my Twitter PLN with opening my eyes to so many different educational topics. This fall, I took adult swimming lessons, and this past year I built and planted my first square-foot garden. I am always seeking out new ideas and experiences. I am terrified of stagnation. As a result, I am always curious about what motivates teachers to take risks to try new technologies, to embrace new methodologies, to reflect on their practice, and to seek feedback. I wonder now, maybe it's not a motivation, but an acceptance of the possibility of failure?

    I've always avoided blogging. The vulnerability associated with putting my ideas on paper, and making it public is overwhelming. But blogging may be the catalyst I need to take the next step in my own professional development.  I have learned and gathered so much from my own Professional Learning Network (PLN) over the years, but have fallen short on the final step to all learning. Consolidation and reflection. This blog can be the place where I let the ideas flow. Where I make the connections between what was, what is, and what can be in my own classroom and in my own development as a teacher. What is the worst that can happen? I can forget to reflect. I can forget to publish posts. I can make spelling errors. I can repeat myself. I can cause controversy. I can fail. I can also reflect purposefully, reach out to others, seek feedback, grow professionally, and learn from experience. I can learn from failure.

    It is time to improve my net-worth and reach out to my network. It is time to give back and seek feedback from those from whom I have only taken.

    Here I go. Feet first.


    Tuesday 14 February 2017

    It was a beautiful afternoon for skiing in Phys Ed class. What a full Valentine's Day! 💜


    via Instagram http://ift.tt/2lOjdE1

    Art is another option that students will get to do next year!


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    Meeting the band director and learning about the band program at Westdale.


    via Instagram http://ift.tt/2ktHApH

    Making more quesadillas🍕


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    Making quesadillas in the foods lab


    via Instagram http://ift.tt/2lGYiGZ

    Visiting the Westdale gym to learn about their sport programs.


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    Checking out the Wood Working lab at Westdale School!


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    We are visiting Westdale School this morning to learn all about middle school.


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