5 Mo Years

5 years ago I published my very first blog post. 
It was a post highlighting my very first ever conference presentation. Detailing my first attempt to redesign my physics course to put students closer to the center of their own learning.

Both the presentation and the blog post were really my first time putting my practice out for a large community. Both of these were steps that I took on my own. But, over the past 5 years many people have given me the opportunity to refine my practice in the classroom and share my work with a larger audience. So, I wanted to take a chance to thank them for making me feel more confident in every risk that I take.
All of the changes I’ve brought to my classroom have been with the help of my co-teacher Andelee Espinosa. It’s interesting to look at the presentation we just gave over the weekend highlighting strategies and tools in our fully inclusive physics classroom.

All of these changes wouldn’t be possible without the support of my administration. This journey all started with the support of my then assistant superintendent Dana Monogue (now superintendent of another high achieving district in Wisconsin). Yes, she helped provide funding. But more than that, she provided the freedom for changing my practice as long as it was in the best interest of learners. It was important to know that she would have my back if I was being questioned by others.
A blog is great for self-reflection, but it means even more when it connects you to other educators. So, I need to thank George Couros and Katie Martin. Their MOOC on the Innovator’s Mindset was the first place in which my blog began reaching an audience beyond my own district. In #IMMOC, I also met many other educators who would go on to influence and amplify my voice like Annick Rauch, Tara Martin, Tamara Letter, and Kristin Nan.  
Here's a sample post from one of the 3 cycles I participated in.

As I’ve connected with a greater community, I’ve been able to do a better job of using Educational Technology to increase the opportunities for student access and expression in my classroom. I’ve learned so much from Kasey Bell & Matt Miller. Without them, I’d be lost in the world of Google! Especially my use of Google Slides! 
Here's a post about some of the ways I love Slides.
While I’ve learned from many, I’ve also been given the opportunity to share out thanks to Pear Deck and Flipgrid. I have never had any desire to compose a full length book about my practice. The ability to create short guidebooks for Getting Started with Pear Deck and Flipgrid Camera, were right up my alley and I loved the opportunity!

My blog and these eBooks have allowed me to publish digitally over the years. But since that day 5 years ago, I’ve had the opportunity to present many times locally. But, my biggest presentation opportunity was afforded to me by Barbara Bray when she asked me to be part of a presentation team with herself and Kerry Gallagher at ISTE! The presentation was wonderful as was the entire experience. 



ISTE, which I had never really known about 5 years ago, has given me the opportunity to meet so many of the people who I admired, including Katie, Annick, Tara, Tamara, Kristin, Kasey, and Matt.

I may not blog as frequently as I used too (only about 2 times per month) but, I look forward to continuing to share my experience and opinions via my blog over the next year and beyond!