Making History Come Alive!

Teaching is a profession where we can positively impact the lives of students on a daily basis. This cannot be said for every profession. I was able to visit New Jersey and see @burgessdave present about his book Teach Like a Pirate. This was an amazing experience for me.

I have been teaching under the mantra of "Making History Come Alive." It was fairly obvious that my mantra fits in to being a Pirate. Making History Come Alive is giving students the opportunity to experience history and to be excited about attending class each and every day. In his book, P is for Passion. Passion can come from many different places. It may be the content or your individual passion. You have to bring passion to every lesson- presentation MAKES a difference. In passion, falls these life changing lessons that can impact students positively. Hooks keep students on the edge of their seat. "Guest Speakers" who are really you dressed up. Another example of a hook is when I pretend to find notes.  I tell the students for days I am disappointed about finding notes in class and tell them I will read it if I find another. The next day, I find a note. It is a break-up note- the students are on the edge of their seats. It is a note from the Colonies to England. The students never forget the Declaration of Independence is just a break-up note. I've had teachers say "I can't do that." Anyone can do this, it make take time and hard work but don't just teach a lesson- create an experience!! Act-it-Outs are a great way to create an experience- Mr. Burgess turned his classroom into a speakeasy when studying prohibition, passed out sausage as they read The Jungle. I have turned my room into a battle field and simulated trench warfare, acted-out a hurricane, loyalty during the Middle Ages, climbing Mt. Everest, and even experiencing the Skittle Tax. It makes history real and not just something that happened a really long time ago. T is for Transformation- If you provide an uncommon experience they will give you an uncommon effort. Ask yourself, if students didn't have to be there, would you be teaching in an empty room?

Anyone can bring passion and creativity. Questions are the key to creativity. You may have never asked the right questions. I challenge everyone to create an experience where students are constantly drawn to your class, to be excited about learning. Use the power of passion and presentation to create a flame of excitement that will burn long after they have had you.

Why is Twitter so valuable?

I find I am one of only a few educators/leaders at my school who participate in Twitter. A teacher at my school asked, "Why do you like Twitter? Isn't it just a bunch of people telling you what they are doing?" I find this a common misconception. I told him it has made me a better teacher and leader. On Saturday, March 1st, I went to #WETech14 in New Jersey.  I had the opportunity to connect with some of the most amazing people; such as, @thomascmurray, @billykrackow, @teachercast, @angelinashy and @isupereit. I learned so much from this amazing group of teachers, principals, superintendents and tech directors. How did I get this opportunity? Twitter.

I was able to participate in a discussion on Digital Leadership with @thomascmurray. We discussed ways, as leaders to engage teachers, parents and community. Tom's comment "We trust teachers with the lives of children but not with technology", is something anyone with a say in making policy should ponder.  It was such a great discussion of school leaders. I participated in a discussion on incorporating Google presentations in other ways than a traditional Powerpoint with @teachercast. We talked about using them as thank you cards, comic strips and scrapbooking. This was very informative and creative. I will be able to share with the teachers in my school, district and PLN. Finally, I visited with @wkrakower and @angelinashy where we had a discussion on Twitter, Edmodo and Google Hangouts. My greatest take away was a way for students to teach themselves Edmodo by earning badges. What a great way to promote independence in your students.

So the next time someone asks: Why Twitter? The real question should be: How can you not be on Twitter? The vast amount of knowledge and discussions is a great Professional Development tool. You will also meet great people with a vast knowledge base in the field of education. You even gain more opportunities for live workshops, discussions and growth. I may not know all the answers, but I know where to find them: My PLN.