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Perfectionism

A recent but wonderful challenge....perfectionism.  

• Is it the opposite of creativity?  
• How does it compare to high standards?
• Why is it that people don't often see the perfectionist side of me?

Reading up to understand how to support teachers who are battling perfectionism at the sake of creativity. Perfectionism is a valued trait of this conservative community.  But upon reading, I believe we use the term perfectionism to describe high standards. 

Striving for excellence shouldn't be a quest for perfection. "Their potential" means the children's potential to explore and develop the fullness of their own talents, interests, learning styles, and so on. (from http://www.pta.org/programs/content.cfm?ItemNumber=1769)

IMHO, the only perfectionist is the creator.  The rest of us should focus on developing into the best me we can be.

Opinionated?

I'd like to think that I have an open mind....and then I was convicted last week while chatting with a friend by a statement that came out of my own mouth...

"I think most people thing they are more open-minded than they actually are."

So how open am I really?  I have opinions.  (Those who know me well are snickering loudly).  I am working on being a listener and putting my opinions aside but that is sooooooo NOT my nature.  I just read a blog reflection from a young man studying philosophy in college.  He included the cartoon above....and had basically the same thought.  There ARE somethings that are just right and just wrong.

BUT....

I hope and work toward listening, so that I can be solid on those opinions based on what I learn from my colleagues, our clients, students, and especially those whose opinion differs.

Guerilla Education

I've finally discovered the term that suits me....suits our team.  Guerilla Educators.

We are a small group.  We are an irregular group.  Many days we feel like we are fighting...fighting for quality instruction for all learners.  We are challenging a larger system....traditional education....all students doing the same thing, at the same time, driven and focused on standardized testing.

Yes....we are freedom fighters.  Seeking freedom for teachers to do what they know is right for students.  To break free of the tyranny dictated by focus on microscopic data points.  To challenge students to think hard, to find and pursue a passion, to solve problems, to collaborate.

Great learning is often an impromptu activity.....not "authorized" or directed.  It takes place when there is disharmony between what is know and information that is sought.  It is active....

So, call me crazy....

Another year older

We've had two young, new, vibrant people who have joined our team in the past few weeks...AND THEN....(duh, duh, dahhhhhhhh)....I had a birthday.

Such a dichotomy for me!

• I don't feel older, but my body reminds me on occasion. 
• Thinking I practice what I preach, but my resistance to open my Chromebook as I know I will need to learn something new
• Sitting in a meeting sharing our vision, realizing it just jumped several decade in the blink of an eye.
• Thinking I'm cutting edge, then hearing new tools and concepts that are completely foreign to me.

It really is true...the more you learn, the more you realize you don't know.  So after taking a nap, I am determined to stay young through these new teammates.  I need to reopen my learning box and fill it as much as I am able.  Some days there will be more room than other days, but I can't ever close the lid.

Professional Reading

I so admire my colleague @TracieGCain for her dedication and desire for professional reading.  She makes me want to be a better professional.  My perception was that I don't read much professionally at all.  While I am no @TracieGCain, while I was working on keeping my ongoing summer community active....I realized that I just do it differently.  I am a skimmer and tend to dip my toe in.  When I find something I can grasp at the time....I dig deeper.  I am more of a need to know/just in time reader....but maintain listserv connections and collections of favorite blogs on my igHome page (my replacement for the.....what was the Google Home page called that disappeared?)....

Below is the point where I discovered, I really am a professional reader.....

As I jump in and out of my professional reading (which I stink at)....I continue to think about this amazing group. 

Here is an article I ran across today that I wanted to share with you. 

Which of these 10 points speaks most to you?

My favorites were....
1) Last year our discussions emphasized getting kids engaged in learning; this year, the conversation shifted to teaching kids how to learn for themselves. 
............because we talk so much about getting students engaged during our training sessions. I see this as the next step for those who are ready.

AND

4) Everyone has trouble staying disciplined and motivated with work.
............because I have had to put some of my Maker projects on the back burner for other immediate priorities. I am so grateful for this group which gives me some sense of accountability and keeps me motivated. 

This is the "Cream of the Crop"?

I am so blessed!  I have been working with the cream of the crop...those who rise to the top, take an official or unofficial leadership role.  This past week it was teacher leaders in a small North Texas town.  Each teacher received a Windows tablet during Teacher Appreciation week.  Our task with this group is to support the instructional use of technology tools. We had two kick off days to begin our year-long work together that will include face-to-face time and individual coaching.

At first glance, we could complain....

• I only have three high school teacher in the group of sixteen....BUT I have three high school teachers!!!
• Many in this group are struggling with the basics of the device....BUT these leaders are actively participating despite the fact that they are still uncomfortable with their device.
• Most in the group have experienced poor performance from technology tools and network connectivity....BUT they are taking a leap of faith that their tools and infrastructure will continue to improve.

YES!!!! This the cream of the crop!  This group designed a staff development day for their colleagues and volunteered to lead a small group to learn a specific tool/concept.  That is a huge risk BUT I believe their payoff will be grand.  I will learn much more from them than I could ever repay