Why am I writing this personal entry? Well, it is not an attempt to gain any sympathy. It attempts to show what is possible if a clear intention and goal serve the learner's needs. In May of 2022 just near the end of another fantastic school year, I do not remember what happened. But, I was unable to finish the school year and was unable to teach the following year. Why? On May 21st, 2022, I fell down a flight of 16 stairs (luckily carpeted) from the 2nd to 1st story of our home. I was found at the bottom of the stairs. I was found foaming at the mouth. This would lead to a 2-month hospital stay which included an induced coma because my seizures would not stop, several rounds of lumbar punctures, and relearning basic physical movements like something as simple as being able to roll in the hospital bed. Simply put, when I was admitted to the hospital, I was diagnosed as being “critically ill.” Please take a moment and read those words: critically ill. They are not terms that are
Recharge Ed occurred Saturday morning at Kettle Moraine Middle School. It was an UnConference focused on personalized learning. After a long week, it was a wonderful experience. So what was recharging about getting up at 6:00 A.M. on a Saturday to go to school?
Traffic on a Saturday at 7:00 a.m. is actually quite light. Feels pretty good to own the interstate even when I-94 only has one lane open.
Pulling into Kettle Moraine Middle School to see a parking lot full of cars.
Seeing a fellow science teacher from Brookfield Central High School walking in the door right ahead of me.
Freshly brewed coffee when you walk in the door.
Staff from Kettle Moraine School District taking their time on a weekend to host an event.
It's really something to look at a schedule and see so many wonderful options available. (Links will take you to session notes. So, click away)
Being in rooms where teaching are sharing the many ways (so many ways) they are finding to improve instruction and not letting the negativity of limitations be the focus of the discussion. These are seen as challenges that can be faced. They are not something that leads to defeat and disillusionment.
Being in rooms where participants are using technology to share what they are learning rather than as an escape.
In the end, there are some great ideas I'll take away from Recharge Ed to my classroom. The biggest one will be trying to find simple ways to bring coding into my classroom using Scratch . I hope to allow students to demonstrate their understanding of physics by creating simple simulations.
But the real benefit was being around like minded teachers excited to discuss their craft. They are vulnerable in their willingness to share the successes and challenges they face. These educators function with a growth mindset in that these challenges are not insurmountable. It is only a challenge until the find a solution that works in their classroom. By admitting that they need help to a group of peers, they will find that help. The solutions may not be in the room, but the discussion will start the journey to a solution.
This is what recharges us. Sharing the knowledge that teaching is not easy. . Knowing we are not foolish for being optimistic. Knowing we are safe to take a risk. Knowing that failure comes before any worthwhile success. Knowing that the challenge is worth it. Knowing that when we fail we will not be alone.
Now, doesn't that sound like the kind of classroom you want to teach in?
Traffic on a Saturday at 7:00 a.m. is actually quite light. Feels pretty good to own the interstate even when I-94 only has one lane open.
Pulling into Kettle Moraine Middle School to see a parking lot full of cars.
Seeing a fellow science teacher from Brookfield Central High School walking in the door right ahead of me.
Freshly brewed coffee when you walk in the door.
Staff from Kettle Moraine School District taking their time on a weekend to host an event.
It's really something to look at a schedule and see so many wonderful options available. (Links will take you to session notes. So, click away)
Being in rooms where teaching are sharing the many ways (so many ways) they are finding to improve instruction and not letting the negativity of limitations be the focus of the discussion. These are seen as challenges that can be faced. They are not something that leads to defeat and disillusionment.
Being in rooms where participants are using technology to share what they are learning rather than as an escape.
In the end, there are some great ideas I'll take away from Recharge Ed to my classroom. The biggest one will be trying to find simple ways to bring coding into my classroom using Scratch . I hope to allow students to demonstrate their understanding of physics by creating simple simulations.
But the real benefit was being around like minded teachers excited to discuss their craft. They are vulnerable in their willingness to share the successes and challenges they face. These educators function with a growth mindset in that these challenges are not insurmountable. It is only a challenge until the find a solution that works in their classroom. By admitting that they need help to a group of peers, they will find that help. The solutions may not be in the room, but the discussion will start the journey to a solution.
This is what recharges us. Sharing the knowledge that teaching is not easy. . Knowing we are not foolish for being optimistic. Knowing we are safe to take a risk. Knowing that failure comes before any worthwhile success. Knowing that the challenge is worth it. Knowing that when we fail we will not be alone.
Now, doesn't that sound like the kind of classroom you want to teach in?
Very insightful and accurate view of our day at #rechargeed. Thanks for your input and expertise on Saturday. As you stated, we are NOT foolish for being optimistic and it's because of educators such as yourself. Together we make a difference in a learner's life!
ReplyDeleteAgreed, Mike. A valuable day exchanging ideas to improve teaching and learning with optimistic and committed peers
ReplyDelete