I have struggled over the past few months. I have goals and I desire leadership. It feels like at every turn, I am denied opportunities that will help me move forward with those goals. I have applied for several jobs and did not get any of them. It was disheartening. I recognized that I needed to do something. There is a reason I am not getting chosen.
Then I had a conversation with a colleague. She told me, "You need to find your passion. People know your skills, but they don't know you. Find your passion, and others will come to find you."
So I started thinking, what is my passion? I like technology, it's fun to use. I love developing lessons to do with my 4th graders. Seeing the knowledge and competency they gain through technology, energizes me.
I have been frustrated with teaching. I have a vision in my mind of where I want my students to be, and they are not getting there. I have tried to restructure lessons, I've searched for resources, I have developed resources, nothing gets them there. They don't have ownership over their learning. I need to turn the ownership over to them.
Here is what I have decided:
(1) I need to be brave and turn over control. I need to transition from a "teacher centered" classroom to a "student centered" classroom. I need to let students guide their learning. I took PBL training with my school district in June. I am very excited about implementing the project I worked to develop with my fellow teachers.
(2) I need to change my approach to technology. Giving students control means that I need to stop creating projects so that I can teach a specific piece of software. I need to empower students to choose the tool that most suits their goals. I need to give them basic skills and access to technology. Access takes me to my third decision.
(3) I need to find funding. I think ultimately I want to work in a 1:1 environment. I want my students to have access to tools all day long. Not just for an hour while I have the computer cart. I want students to create content on the fly, increase participation, and search out their own learning. To do this, my kids need access. So, this year, I will work with my colleagues on site to secure grants. 1:1 is a long way off. Right now, we have an outdated lab, an outdated cart, a 2 year old cart, and 5 iPads at every grade level. I want to get us a cart of iPads for every grade level in the next 2 years.
This blog is my solution to my frustration. I will use this as a place to force myself to reflect on my practice. On the days that go the way I hope, I will post. I hope to share with you, the things that work. On the days that don't go the way I plan (which will probably be most), I will post. I will be looking to you for advice and encouragement.
Thanks in advance.
