My Teacher Trick during Flu Season

This is a silly thing; in fact, I almost feel guilty calling it a tip. However, I really do feel like it's one of those easy things that teachers forget about. Put the tissues, the hand sanitizer, the student supplies, and the band-aids on the opposite side of the room from you. You don't need students sanitizing, sneezing, or bleeding on your desk. Just food for thought my friends. 

Reflecting on Reflection

Lately, I have been doing a lot of work for my Master's degree in Educational Technology Leadership. I have been trying to stay on top of my Practicum Log (my record of my principal internship hours). It's basically this never-ending word document filled with reflections, and as I have been typing reflection after reflection, I found myself reflecting on the idea of reflection.

For me personally, reflection is a huge part of who I am. I keep a journal each year; I select a word of the year, and each year I go back and reflect on what worked, what didn't work, what I could improve, and so on. I naturally reflect on my own personal practices. I don't think everyone is wired that way, though. I wonder if this natural inclination to reflect and revise is what drew me to the liberal arts in my undergrad. It's probably the reason that I relive every stupid comment I've made for days or weeks on end. Can we over-reflect? Probably.

Reflection is important, as long as something good and productive comes from it. For me, I have to reflect, internalize my learning, and move on. If I get stuck in the reflective process, it can be a challenge to get out of cycle.

A New Approach to Learning and Life

It is nearing the end of 2017, and I am officially on the second half on my Masters program. I am getting my degree in Educational Technology Leadership from Lamar University. When we ring in 2018, I will have just four classes left.

2017 has been a year filled with change and a shift in mindset and perspective for me and as a learner. Recently, our group has shifted from the leadership track and moved into our technology courses. This first course has challenged me in ways that I wouldn't have anticipated. Being able to articulate what I believe in has been something that I believed myself to be good at, but that hasn't been the case in this course. I lost the most points that I have lost on any assignment in the entirety of the program on my most recent assignment. For me, this is the definition of personal failure. However, one of the focus elements of this course has been "failing forward." I will endeavor to figure out what that means as I rework my Learning Manifesto in 2018. (Here is the link to my original because personal growth is important and so is learning to accept failure.) 

In 2018, I will continue to grapple with and work to understand more fully the COVA Learning Approach to learning. Personally, I feel like much of the approach resonates with Phil Schlechty's Lesson Design Qualities. The COVA Learning Approach keeps a more narrow focus on Choice, Ownership, Voice, and Authenticity. Walking the line between "the right answer" and "the authentic answer" will be something that I continue to work through in my courses. 

The following represents my work from my first Technology course in the program EDLD 5302.

• Growth Mindset Playlist
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• Learning Networks
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• Learning Manifesto (original)
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• Learning Manifesto (updating in progress)

References

Schlechty, P. C. (2011). Engaging students: The next level of working on the work. San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass.   

Why Teach Like A Flamingo?

Why should you teach like a flamingo? Is it because #teachlikeapineapple was already taken? No! I have lived by the "pineapple" principle for many years.

Stand Tall, Wear a Crown, and Be Sweet on the Inside 

This has been a powerful mantra for me. I like the idea that we need to "own it" and still remember to be kind, but it is now the time of the flamingo. It is officially time to #teachlikeaflamingo

This means to "create the culture of uniquely you." We are not cookie cutter teachers. There is no one size fits all classroom. As educators flock into the twenty-first century, it is time to celebrate our strengths, our struggles, and the times that we need to just "flamingle" with one another.

Come along side and experience my unique journey as I reflect, share, and prepare to tackle what the world throws my way. I intend to share with a happy heart and joyful spirit as I work to create a classroom environment that is not uniquely MINE but uniquely MY STUDENTS'! Somedays, I will have to use strong balancing techniques and others I will have to let them fly.

In the words of the great T. Swift, "Are you ready for it?"