Summer Reflections Build Future Connections

As the school year was winding down in June I had my four weeks off all planned. It was to include a healthy balance of work and play; two weeks of professional development with ITP Camp at Tisch and two weeks of soaking up relaxation and spontaneous whims.

As ITP Camp ended and visions of spontaneous whims formed in my head,  I was asked to attend the Teach to Lead Summit in Washington, D.C. as a last minute fill-in. After reading the details, there was no question that I needed to be in a room with the other people attending this event. The fact that I would be working on a project with the EdCamp Foundation solidified the deal.

My time at Teach to Lead was intense. I saw nothing of Washington, D.C. other than a room of incredible educators who are motivated to their core to establish and cultivate change. They were there for no other reason than to make things better for students and teachers. The team I was privileged to work with was more than incredible and we accomplished a lot within the day we had to work. I don't want to brag, but we rocked it. I learned a lot from watching teams strive through their challenge and pulled ideas from a very brief workshop on authentic (difficult) conversations.

Teach to Lead was exactly what I needed this summer. I needed something unexpected to remind me how much I truly enjoy team problem solving that produces outcome. So much of the twittersphere and social media can feel like circular conversations and it was invigorating to be in a room of people doing and building together. It reminded me of the the pleasure I get by looking at a big picture and creating a product that builds a path for action (in this case a strategic plan). Teach to Lead reminded me that the best professional development is challenging hard work and should be a string of connected, memorable moments that matter to the whole.

As we sit on the verge of a new school year, I urge you to keep in mind which professional development opportunities you choose to invest your time and energy with. Set your standards high. Occupy and create spaces of professional development that speak of passion and/or are filled with people who challenge you, understand you, are constructed of sessions that are hands-on and minds-on that leave you exhausted. Have difficult conversations that require reflection of who you are as a person and professional. These are the spaces that create purposeful connections which result in change and build products that influence.

See you there.

Special thank you to the @danscib, @hadleyjf, @montysays, @ChadNWright, @DanBrownTeacher, @TeachtoLead and every teacher I have met this summer.