My mindset towards PD over the last couple of years has changed. I remember going to so many workshops one summer that I didn't know what I had learned at that point. I remember thinking I had notes in this bag from one week, notes on Evernote from another, and a list of apps and websites on my Ipad from yet another week. It was a summer experiencing learning, but looking back now I'm not sure how much of it was learning. I love learning and will often times find workshops on my own to continue to grow. I have a stack of books that people recommend, but now that I've shifted my thinking on just what professional development is for me...I read the books with a highlighter, pencil, and looking to find something I can tweet. If I'm reading just to read and not reflecting on what I've read or thinking about how I can share it with others, am I really learning anything? As educators, we know there is a difference the way the students react to learning for the sake of learning and learning that they own because they had a choice in it.
A couple of summers ago, a mentor from my PLN encouraged me to blog after conferences to share my reflections and takeaways. This was a game changer for PD because it made me not just go back over what "tools" I could take away, but how I could apply those tools. It also made me start to reformat my role as a presenter and what content I shared. Did I want teachers to leave with a list of tools or tools plus content? Some sessions are a little of both ;-).
The past two Saturdays I attended a couple of PD sessions. One was an AEA training and another an EdCamp. Takeaways were different from both. As an educator and a lover of learning, there is always something to be gleaned in each session if you are looking for it. As a presenter, it may even be a what not to do or how to improve, but there is something to learn. During the AEA day of learning, what stood out to me the most was a question asked in one of the sessions about leadership style. The presenter displayed a picture of Andy and Barney and asked what style is seen in your classroom? Think about that for a minute, educators. if someone is looking from the outside in, do you respond like Barney or like Andy? Barney reacts and Andy has a calmer way of dealing with things. Andy sees the bigger picture and Barney can only see what's right in front of him. Barney sees the behavior in the moment, while Andy works to understand why the behavior has surfaced. I could continue on and on with the list. The Andy style should be our goal and what we strive to demonstrate to not only that outsider looking in, but the students who are on the inside. Barney may happen at moments, but it shouldn't be the norm. Another of the sessions reminded educators to focus on everything the student brings to the learning table (It's not just about what takes place during the school day).
EdCamp is always a day I look forward to because I get to see some of my PLN that I only see at tech events. This year the week had been long and my Friday night plans didn't allow for a lot of sleep before the day, so I wasn't sure what to expect. In the middle of the day, it was hard for me to pull away from the takeaways, but after a nap when I got home...they started to come. First, take away....that session you didn't expect to learn from are usually the ones that have a nugget or two. Two, being around enthusiastic teachers stirs something back up on the inside of you. Three, smackdown session never disappoints with a new tool. Last but not least, teacher voice is so important. I love how EdCamp encourages teachers to share something they are passionate about in a setting that makes it comfortable.
Find something that you are passionate about this year and share it! Find an area where you need to grow and take a class or read a book (then share what you learn with others!)! I'll end with something Angela Maiers always says, The world needs your contribution. So educators make 2018 your year to share you!
