Learning Through Observing

Mesmerized by the passions of others. Writing, sharing, teaching. Educators striving to make an impact with students, with colleagues and with a community. Learning does not happen in isolation. 

Learning is not a moment in time, learning is constant over time. 

Watching others contribute to ones growth in knowledge has no specific formula. There is no specific way. We stumble, we attempt and we stay firm in our belief that in the end, we are better than where we started because we believe in each other. We believe in our growth.

Our convictions are strong. Anchored through the conversations with others and built on the foundation of trust and a goal to be committed to the organization in which we serve and to learn ourselves. 

Learning occurs through observing. And, doing. We must have a willingness to let go of what we may have thought was once the only path and find the path that will make us better tomorrow than we were today. Sometimes looping back, paths are meant to be blazed through the daily challenges in life. 

Not every step has one that follows. Your path is just that, yours.

Watching, growing, breathing. Being the best version of ones self. 

Always learning. Always observing. 

Adjust and Adapt - Part 1 of 3

This post is the first in a three-part series. Adjust and Adapt is the fourth component from The R-Factor from Focus 3 Culture. Introducing change is complicated enough. Talking about it and its implications can be that much more of a challenge. The next post will focus on "Getting Your Mind Right (to change)" and the third post will address our response to change. Credit is given and gratitude expressed to Tim and Brian Kight, founders of Focus 3 Culture, for their expertise and passion for driving leaders.

A new week has arrived and new opportunities will present themselves.

For our community of lead learners, our teachers, we will engage in an intentional conversation about our evolving culture and climate. We will engage ourselves in a conversation about change. The kind of change that moves us to be better at our craft. The kind of change that can be uncomfortable.

Change is intimidating. The thought of taking a constant and adding chaos is frightening. As educators we tend to work through our week knowing the events of each day. We plan our lessons, we set our goals for learning and we push ourselves to support our students.

Success goes to those that respond to change. (Tim Kight)

Change, however, can also be invigorating. It brings excitement. The potential of fresh ideas and a new lens to what could be old and stagnant will bring a pulse to lessons once considered to be scripted and routine. Change allows for our minds to move away from our comfort zones. Our four walls of learning, of teaching, will be expanded if we are open to the idea of change.

With change, we have to adjust and adapt.

Change is a necessary part of life and work. It is a constant reality that it is not going away. In fact, change is speeding up, not slowing down. Your ability to to adjust and adapt in response to change -- and to do so quickly in a positive and productive way -- is an essential skill in today's world. Success belongs to the new people (and organizations) who are able to manage change and adapt to new circumstances. (Focus 3 Culture)

Change is uncertain and unfamiliar. Change is uncomfortable, it is supposed to create growth. Remember, change is inevitable, growth is optional. And, it is how you respond to that change that will define the leader you are and will become. Whether in front of a classroom of students or a room full of teachers, it is how you respond to that change that will measure your success.

How do you deal with change? Do you respond in a manner that will drive you to become better? Do you lead by example? Regardless of our role, we must recognize the need to adapt and adjust. Be reflective on how your actions represent not only your own leadership but also those of your organization, your classroom and the life you live.

So, You Want to be a Teacher?

Not that long ago I wrote a post from the perspective of my current role as building principal in which I shared out the question, "So, You Want to Be a Principal?" What (at the time) was just a listing of the attributes that I felt were significant to those considering taking on this charge, became a post shared countless times over by my peers with great feedback from many. Little did I know it would have the impact that it has. A humbling experience. With that in mind, I share this. 

It is the time of year in the school calendar in which thousands of soon-to-be-graduates and countless substitutes teachers are feverishly filling out the endless on-line applications in the hopes of landing one of the few coveted jobs that exist in today's ever competitive educational market. Some jobs more desired than others, it is an opportunity for our newest generation of teachers to set themselves apart from the competition.

For those of us already fortunate enough to be given an opportunity to teach we know what it takes to do this job. The countless hours, the growing needs of our community and the mandates passed down from above, teaching is not easy. Yet, we still come to work each day excited for what lies ahead. Teachers are unique in every sense of the word.

So, You Want to be a Teacher? Well, you may want to check what it will take as you jump in with both feet to this profession that so many of us are already fortunate to be a part of.

1. Be Connected. For the past two years I have participated in countless twitter chats in which I have been impressed and amazed by the number of pre-service teachers that are participating to expand their knowledge. These up and coming future teachers embrace the power of social media to grow themselves as learners. With that, being connected will literally connect you to thousands of other educators before you even are handed the keys to your first classroom.

2. And, be Digital. It is difficult to find districts that are not already 1:1 or well on their way to becoming just that. We know the power of the digital world for the social side of our lives but in this case makes sure you are well-versed in how being a digital native will support instruction and empower your future students well into their learning. Being knowledgeable of the resources out there will separate you from your peers. Model the importance of being digital with others.

3. Be Innovative. Hopefully while student-teaching there was an opportunity to truly dive into the role of teacher. If you were lucky enough to get an innovative cooperating teacher then by all means don't hold back! Try new things, take risks, fail and try again. As a substitute always have a quick mini-lessons on hand in the event you get an assignment in which the teacher did not leave plans, students finish the plans early or you just have a chance to get creative with your content. Be innovative in every sense of the word.

4. Bring Passion. After spending countless hours being in classrooms as an administrator it is quick to recognize teachers that bring passion to their work day in and day out. As you are feeling your way through your current experience, make sure that your passion for teaching and learning is evident. Let others see your passion and bring that spirit with you each day that you are fortunate enough to be in front of students. Your passion is crucial to your success.

5. Do Your Part. Being a pre-service teacher comes with some stereotypes that are as old as the profession itself. Avoid the trap of being considered less than the staff's equal when it comes to your interactions. If there is an opportunity to take on a role among colleagues, hop right in. Show your willingness to get involved and take initiative. The reward is two-fold. A position could open within the building you're doing your field work or you could simply wind up with some on-the-job training for your future employment. The return is priceless.

6. Ask Questions. I have yet to run into a pre-service teacher that asked too many questions. Be inquisitive and deepen your knowledge of the profession over all. Imagine all of the insight you can gain by talking with teachers from across the building, departments and grade-levels. Remember, you need to know, and they have many of the answers you seek.

7. Learn. Above all else, show your willingness to learn. And, be willing to share when you have failed and what you did to overcome adversity within that moment. Show not only what you do know, but what you are willing to be taught. Learning is at the heart of what we do. And, to get where we are, we have to make countless mistakes as part of the journey. We are better for it.

Being a teacher requires a skill set that is unlike any other profession out there. Our job is not for the faint of our heart. We chose this path as an opportunity to serve others. We are here to serve our students and our community. Whether a pre-service teacher or a substitute that is anxiously awaiting that first opportunity, make sure you are doing everything within your ability to get yourself positioned to be the candidate selected. Lead with your heart, believe in yourself and always, always know that we teach because we believe in the spirit of the child.

How Do You Lead?

(courtesy linkedin.com)

Today begins an amazing week-long opportunity for professional growth through the Ohio Innovative Environments Conference. If you are an educator within driving distance, you should be here.

This is a steal. An absolute gift. An amazing schedule that covers every aspect of what we do for our school communities. There are keynotes, breakout sessions and everything in-between. There are conversations about how we teach, how we lead, the work we do with our students, our colleagues and our communities. Need fresh ideas, wanting a greater understanding of Blended Learning or looking for some instructional technology support? This is the place to be.

This morning we are listening to Paul Sloane. As the author of the The Innovative Leader, he has empowered us to think about our way of teaching and leading by having us explore our assumptions in the work you do. Maybe you have studied some of his work on Lateral Thinking. Through his examples and his sharing of life experiences, we have reflected on the daily decisions we make and the differences between us. Mr. Sloane goes into great depth in regards to both and has challenged me to consider other ways to accomplish daily leadership tasks. He offers some enlightening insights to how we lead and how get others to follow us on our journey.

(courtesy of http://www.destination-innovation.com/)

The proof from the work we are doing today is found in the comments left by the teachers and leaders in the audience today via twitter. We are being pushed to think, to be creative and to be committed to improving our way of leading. 

As you think of your week ahead, consider how you are spending your time.  If you are in the area, drop on by. If you are elsewhere, come back tomorrow and read some more takeaways of the great work by our next keynote, Steve Farber, and reflections of the breakout sessions this afternoon.

Fuel the Mind. Pick Up a Book

(courtesy mhpbooks.com)

Why is that sometimes what should be the easiest of tasks becomes the most complicated? Or, having that project that sits for weeks on end?

Consider the lose board on the fence. The paver on that sits just crooked enough to be an eye sore or the closet that has engulfed every last shoe and tie and shirt or skirt in a fashion that is anything but that. 

It can be either overwhelming or ignored.

With summer now in full swing, and many having already taken their summer vacation to a destination of their liking, here lies the challenge, something that can not be ignored, it is time to clean out the closet and gear up for what will be an amazing month ahead, August.

There are still many opportunities for some R&R, but at the same time, keeping those minds fresh is essential. Whether you pick up a book, organize your office, or simply keep those brain cells moving as you prepare for colleagues, students and families returning to the school house, I urge you to continue to grow yourself.

Looking for a good read? Check out these suggestions as part of your summer reading list, I did. They each speak to leadership, the art of teaching, innovation and the importance of relationships around us.

Here you go:

Steve Faber and his books Radical Leap, Re-Energized and Greater Than Yourself. 

Chip and Dan Heath as they share Switch. 

Steven Levitt and Stephen Dubner share Think Like a Freak after their hit, Freakanomics.

More great reads and awesome ideas from:

Scott Anthony has a hit on his hands with The Little Black Book of Innovation.

And if you need a review of some great leadership tips, Daniel Pink offers Drive.

Enjoy your reading, and, get those closets cleaned out too.

Innovation 101

Defining innovation is no small task. For the past few years we as educators have been tossing this word around and observing how it sticks. As a middle school principal with a staff close to 100, I am doing the same. I, along with my teachers, am watching, listening, and learning what it is to be innovative in this era of education.

Being on the cutting edge of best practices, we continue to explore new methods to deliver content and measure student growth. Teachers are allowing students to take more ownership of the lessons themselves and outdated practices are diminishing.

As we talk about the responsibility for the teaching and the learning within the classroom, we are recognizing that it is a shared task by both the student and the teacher. And, more than ever before, we are connected in what we are doing as teachers and how we support each other with our work. Social media is, where access allows it, a part of our daily work and our daily interactions with both students and teachers alike. Embedding today's technology in schools and classrooms is becoming more common and someday, we hope, will be universal for all educators at all levels.

Innovation in your school may or may not look similar to my own. Here are some topics to explore when having conversations with your colleagues about what it might look like as you walk through classrooms in your building:

Bring in Blended Learning—An approach that is taking our academic landscape by storm, Blended Learning combines the formal learning model and the schoolhouse approach and adds an online element to deliver content and instruction. This practice fosters innovation as well, as it allows for an element of student control and speaks to choice and voice in the learning process.

Shift to Project-Based Learning (PBL)—Having focused questions and solid, well-crafted assessments, allowing for multiple solutions, and getting the community of learners involved are all essential elements to a great PBL lesson. For PBL to be most successful, teachers use inquiry combined with accountability.  Schools across the country are working with their teachers to better understand how Project-Based Learning can increase student achievement.

Make Reflection and Feedback a Part of the Lesson—If you are not talking about teaching and learning in the moment, then you are missing the mark. Having students share out what they are learning at the point of delivery and giving feedback speaks volumes  for a teacher’s desire to improve the student learning experience. We need to be giving and receiving as much feedback as possible to support growth. If you haven’t yet done so, it might be time to have this conversation with your colleagues and add this element into your instructional expectations.

Groups & Teams—Sometimes our role as educators is to match our students’ learning styles, abilities, and interests with others—forming the best groups possible to work toward an assignment or academic goal. Being innovative can be as simple as creating groups of learners in a new, timely, and more strategic way. Being innovative can also mean knowing the distinctions that are sometimes drawn between groups and teams, and choosing the right format for the circumstance. Where the term "group" might mean any collection of students—or teachers—with a shared interest or purpose, "team" is more often used when group members not only share a common goal but work together interdependently, and are mutually accountable for that goal.

Make It Personal—I have written about this before and will continue to beat the drum. This is more than just knowing where a student is starting their academic journey at the beginning of each year or each unit of instruction. This is about creating a pathway to success based on their life-experiences, learning goals, and personal abilities. We will continue to be innovative in how we reach today’s students if we are encouraging personalization with our students. In the same regard, we as leaders should implement this same mindset for our teachers through their professional development. Not all teachers need to hear the same message all of the time and we should personalize their learning as much as we do our students.

Lead by Example—Get in the trenches and show what you can do when it comes to being innovative. Whether as a teacher or administrator, if you are not modeling what it is we expect to see from others, then we are no further ahead then where we started. So, get out of your comfort zone and lead, making visible what innovation can look like for all the learners that you work with.

Today, innovation is defining education.  What is included above is nothing more than a partial list of what is taking place in schools everywhere. I would encourage you to grow this list with your own thoughts, ideas, and creativity to best work with teachers and students in your environment.

If we remain focused on developing critical thinkers and problem solvers, being creative and supporting innovation in instruction, then we will have our students (and our teachers) ready for tomorrow.

Written for the National Center for Literacy Education. Find out more by going to their website at www.literacyinlearningexchange.org