I had the opportunity today to present at the Region 10 technology conference. As always, I come away amazed at the work of the Region X team. This conference has evolved over the years into a must attend the event for the Region X area. From session flow to strategic sessions, to participant size to the addition this year of FOOD TRUCKS…they are doing it right!
The conversations today with educators from around the area was so refilling. I appreciate so much the passion behind what they are all doing. Some are in district level positions, some are campus administrators, and some are classroom teachers. What I’ve found is that those who are willing to miss a day and all that entails are the ones willing to have the conversations that are going to initiate change.
I said in my presentation today that if you think you need a title to be a leader, then you may not yet be ready for that responsibility. Anyone can make a difference…after all, even the biggest wave started out as just a breeze!
Classroom teachers can make change happen by adopting genius hour, by becoming connected to other learners, to challenging the status quo. Differentiate…get creative, turn the power to choose how they learn over to your students. Not completely, oh naysayers of mine, but even just a lesson a week can start a wave….its ok not to do what you’ve always done.
Building leaders can make changes by modeling what it means to be a lifelong learner, by allowing teachers to TRY new things, and to feel comfortable in FAILing if that’s what happens. Encourage conferences, encourage learning, be the LEAD learner not just by title, but in action.
District support staff can initiate change by offering support, encouraging new ideas, by asking different questions. Offer to be in classrooms, or do more research on an idea…help a teacher make connections with innovators in the area at hand. There’s no need to recreate the wheel if some other awesome educator has tried it before.
Edupeeps in district level positions can initiate change by being willing to be transparent in their own learning, to open up and be flexible in what good ol’traditional teaching has to look like. Get to an edcamp, attend a national conference…let yourself break free from the educational silo you may find yourself in.
We all have the power to make change…we just have to be willing to “be more dog”.
Educator proud,
Amber
Deniece says
May 6, 2014 at 8:54 pmAmber,
Many teachers in my school, district and online are often make comments regarding technology such as, “I don’t know how,” or “I can’t do that.” I think many teachers see it as a big picture and not a process. My response is to start small – QR Codes, flip 1 lesson or 1 station, create 1 digital station or make 1 blog.
You’re correct, the teachers (and administrators who allowed teachers) who took this 1 day to learn, grow and step outside their comfort zone are the ones who will make the changes. I did a quick session on QR Codes. They aren’t fancy. They are engaging, they are a first step, they are pretty “neat and awesome” for the teacher who didn’t even have a QR Scanner on her phone when she walked in the door. Starting small and gaining confidence will help those who are scared of technology.
Deniece
@8amber8 says
May 12, 2014 at 8:35 amHi Deniece,
Absolutely! Some people forget that we all have to start somewhere, and just b/c you are using the MOST current of all techie tools, that doesn’t negate the vaule of things we’ve seen before!
Thanks for reading! 🙂
Amber