Edscape- Why?

You drove over an hour on a Saturday to a workshop, why? A teacher from my school asked me. I traveled to New Jersey for Edscape. When I left, I was excited and a little sad as I was missing my son’s flag football game. I arrived early to listen to #satchat live, where the friendly aroma of Pepe’s pizza filled the air (which was brought by my friend @iplante Sharon Plante). It was a great discussion on our game changers in education. I realized how my philosophy of education has changed even more over the past year and a half since becoming connected. It was great to reconnect with Billy Krakower @wkrakower, Brad Currie @bradmcurrie, Sandra Paul @spaul6414 , Elissa Malespina @elissamalespina , Ross Cooper @RossCoops31 and Chris Casal @mr_casal during the live discussion.

We then went in for the keynote address by @stumpteacher. His speech made me realize I continually make excuses about not writing my thought/reflections. He inspired me to write this post and to write at least once a week moving forward. He discussed innovation days and passion projects. Over the past few weeks, I’ve been thinking a lot about innovation. I recently applied for #GTTAX to become a Google Certified Teacher and the focus question was on innovation. The first session I attended was on innovation by @jcwastler. He is a passionate and inspirational leader from Maryland. He stated many conditions exist for innovation, including freedom to fail and empowering teachers and students. Innovation isn’t about what’s new, it’s about what’s better. He mentioned the book Pure Genius by Don Wettrick; "students need time to create their own learning experiences". I have already placed my order.

I’m working to transform libraries in my district to learning commons, so I went to @NMHS_lms session on maker spaces. She did an amazing job transforming her library and gave me many new ideas. If you build it, they will come. My greatest takeaway was that the space has to be owned by the students. Her library has a lounge, a little bits bar, a smart TV, 3D printers, fixed stations and rotating stations. It is an old library, but you can tell it is owned by the students.

My final session, Ed Perspectives was presented by @mssacktien and @bradcurrie. Starr, a hign school english teacher in New York talked about taking risks in education. This year, she is using @voxer with her students and she stopped her standard grading system. I have always tried to take calculated risks in my classroom. This year, I completely transformed my classroom (something that many in my school disagreed with). It was so great to meet and talk with Starr. She has inspired me to take even more risks. I truly believe that with great risk, comes great reward. I even had time to set up a collaborative project with @spaul6414 and was able to discuss planning EdCampSWCT, coming next march with @iplante and @atragg

Yesterday, was a great day of learning for me, but above all it was great to hang out with the amazing people. It was great to meet @E_Sheninger as he did a great job in organizing the event. When I returned home, my son said “Dad, I can’t believe you went to school to learn on a Saturday! You must love learning; I do too” This comment stopped me in my tracks as I realized “setting an example is not the main means of influencing others; it is the only means” - Albert Einstein. As leaders in education, we are setting the example for others to follow. This is true for my children and fellow educators. Why did I travel to New Jersey on a Saturday? What should I tell my colluege? I ventured to New Jersey because I enjoy learning and hanging out with such an amazing group of leaders. It is personalized learning and more importantly, together we are better for kids. I proceeded to invite him to Ed Camp New Jersey in November. We shall see, one person at a time.

We put up Halloween decorations today.