I've been inspired. It's been a while since I have really felt rejuvenated....You see, I have been slipping quietly into a fixed mindset. I have let the realities of the day get in the way and slow me down. Anyone else feel this way?
I just returned from my annual VAST (Virginia Association of Science Teachers) conference in Roanoke, Va. I must say that I worked my tail off during this trip - presented twice and worked the t-shirt booth! But, I was also able to slip away for a few sessions.
First...I saw the amazing Dr. Adolph Brown. I don't really know how to describe him except that he was engaging, real and funny. He reminded us to have Fun, be Firm, and to have Faith. Real Talk.
Second....I was able to connect with many science teachers across the state who are trying so hard to provide quality instruction for their students. Many of us, myself included, were not given professional development days to
attend this conference. Instead, we took sick or personal leave. But we did it anyway...because we need to reconnect with teachers who share a vision.. a sense of belonging...a love of our students and a need to continue to grow in our profession. It humbles me every time.
Last, but certainly not least...I heard Dr. Carol Tomlinson speak. I actually went into her session thinking I was not going to agree with her at all. I thought that her view of differentiation and my view of differentiation were completely different. Boy was I wrong. She shared a simple look at common sense differentiation that included relationships, mindset, engagement and more.
I am excited to be re-energized and focussed about instruction. My hope and plan is to organize my thoughts and present what I have come to know with you. I realized that I missed writing this blog....It keeps me grounded...it keeps me focussed....it keeps me real. One day I hope to write it all down in a book...that is my dream and my vision...
But for now, I have a list of about 20 things I want to share with you. Stay tuned!
I just returned from my annual VAST (Virginia Association of Science Teachers) conference in Roanoke, Va. I must say that I worked my tail off during this trip - presented twice and worked the t-shirt booth! But, I was also able to slip away for a few sessions. First...I saw the amazing Dr. Adolph Brown. I don't really know how to describe him except that he was engaging, real and funny. He reminded us to have Fun, be Firm, and to have Faith. Real Talk.
Second....I was able to connect with many science teachers across the state who are trying so hard to provide quality instruction for their students. Many of us, myself included, were not given professional development days to attend this conference. Instead, we took sick or personal leave. But we did it anyway...because we need to reconnect with teachers who share a vision.. a sense of belonging...a love of our students and a need to continue to grow in our profession. It humbles me every time.Last, but certainly not least...I heard Dr. Carol Tomlinson speak. I actually went into her session thinking I was not going to agree with her at all. I thought that her view of differentiation and my view of differentiation were completely different. Boy was I wrong. She shared a simple look at common sense differentiation that included relationships, mindset, engagement and more.
I am excited to be re-energized and focussed about instruction. My hope and plan is to organize my thoughts and present what I have come to know with you. I realized that I missed writing this blog....It keeps me grounded...it keeps me focussed....it keeps me real. One day I hope to write it all down in a book...that is my dream and my vision...
But for now, I have a list of about 20 things I want to share with you. Stay tuned!
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