You might as well hang your hat up and quit. You failed. There is no redemption. You should stop trying. You're a loser. Failing never feels good. The word "Fail" makes my skin crawl. But as much as I hate failing, I have also learned to embrace failing. But this is not the case for... Continue Reading →
It's that time of year when traditional classroom teachers/educators are preparing for a new group of students. Preparations include organizing curriculum and lesson plans, creating a welcoming environment, and gathering classroom supplies. So much prep work goes into getting the first day, first week, first month just right. In the midst of all of this... Continue Reading →
I often wonder...do students WANT choice? When I give students the opportunity to own their learning, many choose the easiest option. We live in an era of nothing but options. The tools change before we have time to master. Learning is fast and furious. Goodbye teaching hello facilitating. Sometimes I feel it's impossible to keep... Continue Reading →
My passion for different types of learning spaces stems from watching my own child learn. I have been educated by my son on learning spaces for 12 years. For him, his ultimate learning space is not one confined to the traditional desk and chair that most students endure for 6 hours, 5 days a week.... Continue Reading →
Some of the trendiest topics in Education are Student-Directed learning, #LearnerAgency and #StudentOwnership. As I hear these phrases, I ask myself...are these topics that new? I’ve been a Teacher/Trainer/Specialist/Facilitator for 23 years. To me, the idea of students owning their learning is nothing new. For years, good teaching has been good teaching. What has changed... Continue Reading →
WHY relationships? This blog is co-written with my colleague and friend Chris Tuttell. How else could this piece be written on relationships? Dr. Brad Gustafson writes in his book Renegade Leadership, “If pedagogy is the driver, and technology is the accelerator. This may be true, but relationships are the runway.” "Relationships are the runway." Yes!... Continue Reading →
When it comes to blogging there is no "right" or "wrong" way. Blogging is a way to express your thoughts, share your opinions, give advice, or just a place for your voice to be heard. When blogging with students it is important to follow a few basic steps: Choose a tool you want your students... Continue Reading →
It's not about me. It's not about you. It's about the students. In Alan November’s book, Who Owns the Learning, his message is clearly heard and conveyed as, Empowering students to lead in their learning, and for teachers to make the subject material relevant to the lives of students.. In a world where teachers are... Continue Reading →
Emerge by definition means move out of or away from something and come into view: "black ravens emerged from the fog". This word “emerge” was recently redefined for me as a leader. As I spent my second year as an “Emerging Leader” with the North Carolina Phi Delta Kappa (NCPDK) educational organization, I felt like the... Continue Reading →
Still Learning 