Lurker

I admit it! I am a lurker. Is lurking so bad? Do I need intervention? The enjoyment in blogging for me is reading others thoughts, insights, and knowledge. Should I feel compelled to comment? Karen made a great statement about reflecting on how you feel when you receive comments to your own blog posts. Giddiness does ensue when I get a new comment. I will make an effort to become a true blogger, comments and all, on this professional learning journey.

Beyond Wonderful

I want to be beyond wonderful. "You did a wonderful job! That was wonderful" are comments heard after presenting trainings. But here is the catch, if I was so "wonderful" why are they not implementing all the "wonderful" things I have taught them in their classroom right away? Don't get me wrong, there are several teachers that do take back what was taught to their classroom, but not the majority. My goal is to be beyond wonderful. Coaching, classroom modeling, and ongoing feedback/support are key for implementation.

Ouch!

It worries me that it actually hurts my head to think of things to reflect about. Although, it is painful, I believe it is necessary to empty my noggin of all my personal worries, and take the time to reflect over my work, goals, and areas of improvement.
Besides learning how to incorporate technology into my work to improve communication with teachers and fellow C&I cube dwellers, my next goal is to learn how to deal with difficult participants. I would love to hear your suggestions or experiences!

Innately Intelligent?

I have been reading Outliers recommended by my colleagues, and it sure has got me thinking. I just read the chapter over genius and the threshold theory. This makes me want to research if intelligence is hereditary, and how their background affects their success. I wonder how many geniuses from poverty were successful and if so, why? I live with a man that I consider borderline genius, and often he hears from his parents, you are so smart, why are you not more successful. Now that I have read this book, I see why. He may be smarter than most but he lacks certain social skills needed for success, that others not nearly as smart as him, have. Interesting. Very. This reinforces the need for the global teaching of children, and not just academics.

10,000 Hour Rule

If the 10,000 hour rule is true, then why are there 20 plus year veteran teachers who are not expert teachers? What is happening?

Excitement!

Who would have thought that I could learn SO much in such a short time? I cherish every new piece of information and hunger for more. It has been a long time since I have invested in my professional development, often my concerns and energy focused on my students. Unfortunately, taking the time to learn only helps your students more, but this is often overlooked with the hustle and bustle of teaching.