Rookie

For the past year I have focused a lot of tech-ed interest and energy into the professional development of educators. When I became entranced by the 21st century learner movement and the integration of technology my mind immediately went to my colleagues who would rather place a note in my mail box at school than send me an Email. Where was the investment in their training to learn all these technologies that were being promoted for students to infuse into their daily learning? Where was the investment in them to have the proper training so they could become successful 21st century educators?


Though I have lead several sessions of professional development in the past, this summer was my first time teaching to educators outside of our district.  All the nervousness made me return to why I love technology in the first place; it forces me to constantly learn and evolve as a professional educator. With this in mind, here are a few tips straight from the rookie.


1. It's all about the connections. Our first day started off with so many smiles and 'how have you been?' Teachers who have not seen each other in years were reconnecting with each other. I met teachers who I will remember for what they taught me during the training. What I learned was that when having teachers from different districts come together, mix it up! 


Learned:Next time I will make name plates and mix districts up at one table. I will take the time for an ice breaker so connections are made more freely.


2. Time. time is hard to come by in training and we didn't have enough. I liked hearing 'this could have been a full day' from multiple people and they are absolutely right. Steady as she goes when teaching and learning with technology tools.


Learned: Have a timer posted somewhere, such as the interactive white board. Make someone your timer to keep you on track and have a chime ready to keep discussions focused and bring attention back to a speaker. Also, slim down on the amount of topics being covered and invest more time in a few tools than trying to cover many.


3.Keep them calm and carry on. Dear Teacher Student, each session is a tool not a must, please don't get overwhelmed or frustrated that this is "one more thing" you need to do every day.


Learned: I did not make this idea clear enough because this thought comes naturally to me. I see each websites, each technology as one of many tools in my box to choose from, a feature of my bag of tricks. 


4. Use humor. I am someone who needs to laugh at myself from time to time. It's my remedy for being so hard on myself. I firmly believe that there needs to be more laughter in professional development. We know learning is better embedded when tied to emotion, so let's apply this to our own learning too. Incorporate some Zumba like Jeff Pulver at #140edu or even a round of planetary simon says. 


Learned: Find someone in the bunch who has a sense of humor too. They can be that key volunteer in the audience when you need a wing man or just a friendly, reaffirming source of eye contact.


5. Walk away with the positives. I am always looking to take challenges and turn them into learning opportunities. Take each challenge and mistake in the day and spin them into a chance to be better in the future. Ask people for feedback.


Learned: Introduce that google form I made for feedback in the beginning of the session and take the time to review it in the end.


6.You might be tired. Teaching adults takes energy. Eat well and keep water near.


Learned: pack more healthy snacks and plan a relaxing night.


I am looking forward to doing more professional development this year. Hopefully my goal of bringing teachers together in our district will continue to flourish. We are each such talented people at our jobs, it only seems natural that we should learn from one another and use technology to make connections and our schools stronger.


A special thank you to my administrator and board of educator for their constant support in my energy and help in planning these two days.