The many voices in my head......

"The many voices in my head...." was not just my attempt at a catchy title. I am referring to the many messages/concerns/issues I hear from co-workers, students, family, media, and mostly..... my own self.  Some of the messages are competing and it is hard at times to drown out the "noise."  At times it can seem daunting. I truly want to make things right, help those that need it, fix those things that are broken, and make every day better for our students.  My attempts do not always succeed. But, my hope is that those that are on this journey with me, are able to recognize that my intentions are always good and that my ultimate goal is help our "team" unite and become even stronger than we are right now. I believe that with that strength and trust in one another we can chip away at the resistance that some may be putting up that is getting in the way of change. Not change for the sake of it, but change that makes things better for everyone involved. Change that can be seen and felt. Change that is real and empowers both students and staff so that they leave at the end of the day filled with knowledge and joy knowing that things were accomplished, problems were solved, questions were asked, and yes struggles were had.

The reality?? We are all human. We are all trying to do our best. We have many competing interests tugging at us. Therefore, we must support one another. Tonight, a colleague shared with me something that someone had said about me that at first I thought was unfortunate and I didn't think it bothered me. But, as the night went on, I realized that it really did hurt. It wasn't the words that hurt. It was the idea that someone did not see the "true purpose" behind why I do what I do. It hurt because I want nothing more than everyone to be successful. I do ask people to take risks and try new things and I do push them out of  their comfort zone. But, I do this not out of control, but because I want to empower each and every one of them. That one negative voice took over for awhile tonight....However, I now see it as a challenge!! A challenge that I must work harder to show through my actions and words that I am all about positive improvement and a team working together to be champions.

"The quality of every human activity ultimately depends on our motivation." --Dalai Lama

Listen...Learn...Lead

Listening to our students, staff, and even ourselves is such an important part of what we must constantly do. We cannot make assumptions or base our decisions on a single viewpoint.  We must reflect, adapt, and learn what is necessary. It can be discouraging at times, seeming as though others around you are "just getting it" while you are stuck and wondering what is going wrong. We are all faced with those days when it feels like nothing can go right. It is what we do with that moment that is key. That is where true leadership comes out.  I was super impressed with a tweet shared by Social Science teacher, Shari Patterson today. She recognized the lesson didn't go well and instead of making excuses she is brainstorming how to make it better. Sharing this publicly took a lot of strength and trust with her own PLN. This is exactly how we can continue to support each other through the #observeme movement. Other teachers can now share ideas that may spark an even better lesson for Shari in her classroom. I can guarantee you that Shari is working right now to design a lesson that will top what she planned today and that will be shared via her tweets tomorrow. #growth #reflection

I am constantly learning each and every day from those that are part of my Professional Learning Network (PLN). I am inspired and motivated to try new things and encourage other educators to do the same. I find a sense of euphoria while on Twitter. I was trying to figure out why I am always so happy while reading and posting on Twitter. I think it is because while on Twitter I am surrounded by people that are encouraging one another, facing and conquering challenges, and continuing to improve their practices and do what is best for kids.  My challenge to myself is to take that same intense joy and energy that is felt while on Twitter and infuse it into the regular day.

If you haven't heard/seen/read there are some new bloggers in FSUSD!! Take some time to read the blog, "FSUSD Innovates" co-authored by Steve Trotter, Colleen Hutchinson, and Allison Klein. I have a feeling that a few more authors will join this amazing group of innovative educators very soon. http://baconplate.blogspot.com/

One of our very own Ed Tech's Andy Meyers has an amazing blog, "Embracing the Whole." He is part of the #IMOOC with George Couros, and Andy is taking on the #IMOOC with a gusto: https://edutechandy.wordpress.com/


Continue to be innovative, creative, and a model of excellence!!