We (teachers) have professional development opportunities constantly. Sometimes it’s required by the district. Other times we get to choose to attend a conference like NETA or NATS. We might choose to learn at a workshop at our local ESU. We have training in our schools at the beginning of, end of, and throughout the school year. Some of us are learning 24/7 through Twitter, educational blogs or webinars. Regardless of what the PD is or why we are there, we should always reflect on our learning.
George’s two keynote addresses and other sessions focused a lot on change. His book The Innovator’s Mindset contains much of the message that he shared with us at the conference. If you haven’t had the chance to hear George in person, I recommend the book as well as his blog. Innovative leaders and educators model learning themselves. I was inspired by a young man named Keeran who attended this conference. He is a high school student who wants to be a teacher and he is a true learner. Keeran diligently took notes, asked questions, and even reflected at the end of the second day and shared his thoughts with the group! What an inspiration!
“What did you learn today? How will your students know and benefit?”