Category: Connected Educator

Collaboration, Connected Educator, curriculum, Digital Media, My Story

“I’d like to thank the Academy…” a.k.a. What do teachers need?

Did you see the new thank-you ticker crawling across the screen at this year’s Oscars? The long list of names reminded me that whether we are actors or teachers, directors or principals, we didn’t get where we are without the help of a lot of people. I was reminded of all the people who have contributed to my own, albeit less glamorous, career in education. I was reminded that I have not become … Continue reading “I’d like to thank the Academy…” a.k.a. What do teachers need?

Laura4 Comments
21st century, Connected Educator, Digital Media, innovation, LRNG, National Writing Project

Student voices across the curriculum

I am braving the cold of Minnesota to deliver a follow-up report to the National Writing Project on the $20,000 No Bells, No Walls Innovation LRNG Challenge grant that has helped fund our KTV Broadcast Media program at my middle school. The grant has contributed to the creation of our new media classroom after we moved our student-produced TV show from a before-school club (of about … Continue reading Student voices across the curriculum

Laura1 Comment
Collaboration, Connected Educator, curriculum, English, literature

Our best ideas = your best lessons

What’s the #1 complaint from teachers when attending a conference, workshop, training, or professional development session? Besides not enough chocolate, near the top of my pet peeve list is presenters who are not classroom teachers. Even trainers who were once in the classroom lose a bit of their credibility when I find out they’ve been out of the classroom for a few years. Today’s classroom is an ever-changing … Continue reading Our best ideas = your best lessons

LauraLeave a comment
21st century, Collaboration, Connected Educator, Heroes of Education, Visions of Education

When teachers gather together

I’ve learned that when attending an education conference, it’s a success if I come away with two, maybe three great new ideas to try in my classroom. The conference experience is so overwhelming, both inspirational and exhausting, that it’s easy to get lost in the flood of creativity, innovation and enthusiasm from all those amazing presenters. I’m not sure how that sage advice applies to a weeklong … Continue reading When teachers gather together

Laura6 Comments
#YourEdustory, Connected Educator, My Story, Visions of Education

It’s not enough to #teach

Share #yourEdustory, week 2: Inspired by MLK: how will you make the world a better place? It’s too easy to assume that because I’m a teacher, I make the world a better place. Everyone from Einstein to Steinbeck, Aristotle to Andy Rooney, Lee Iacocca to Steve Jobs to Bill Gates to Dr. Seuss has given us reason to believe that simply by being teachers, we are … Continue reading It’s not enough to #teach

Laura1 Comment
#oneword, #YourEdustory, Connected Educator, My Story, Writing

#oneword for 2015

Share #yourEdustory, week 1: What is your #oneword for 2015? In spite of the ongoing attacks on public schools and teachers; in spite of too many students in my room; in spite of too many papers to grade; in spite of never enough time or resources, my one word for 2015 is this: POSITIVE There are so many factors beyond my control that affect my … Continue reading #oneword for 2015

Laura5 Comments
Connected Educator, Ed Tech, Reading

Macbeth & Musical Chairs: The Power of Teachers Connecting

I have read some great posts this month about the benefits of being a connected educator: Tom Whitby’s on collaboration, another from Tom featuring six educators’ journeys to connectedness, and Edutopia’s valuable set of resources to help educators become more connected. As I pondered my own journey to being a connected educator, I couldn’t think of much I could add to the discussion. And then I had a day … Continue reading Macbeth & Musical Chairs: The Power of Teachers Connecting

Laura3 Comments