On the edge

December 11, 2008

It’s been a big year and as tomorrow is the last day of the 2008 school year for my system it seems a good time to reflect on what has been achieved and what opportunities are opening.

Hubby and I moved schools at the start of this year, as I’ve blogged about before, and honestly when I first arrived our new school intimidated me – it’s at least twice the student population of our last placement, it’s brand new, and it’s determined to be the best.

Surprisingly I didn’t die as I predicted when hubby and I did our first drive by scope of the place. Instead this school has been amazing for both of us professionally, we seem to have found our feet and we’ve both experienced major professional growth here. I’ve been lucky enough to have found leaders who have trusted me enough to follow my passion for eLearning and believed in my abilities to do what’s best for the students – not just something that looks good.

Without the leadership and support of these people I would never have:

  • nominated for the Smart Classroom Awards (and been counted as one of the 12 winners from across the state)
  • gained my ICT Pedagogical License
  • established online learning spaces in all of my subject areas and in both our senior and middle schools
  • began speaking and running workshops
  • applied for an acting position
  • began buying and reading educational textbooks – and actually enjoying them!

It’s been a big year professionally for me…and admittedly there have been moments when I wasn’t sure I was going to make it – gosh I’m glad I have though! What a wonderful ride!

And now as we wrap up for 2008 we’re beginning to look to 2009 and wondering just what may lay in store for us then…especially because for the first six months I’ll be taking on a very different role within the school, temporarily replacing someone who is stepping up to another role.

I never thought I’d end my year on this note. I’m scared, nervous, excited and rearing to have a go…really I’m ending the year standing on the edge of a cliff. Will I fly or flounder? I guess 2009 and reveal all.

Edge of cliff

Picture by: welcometomyisland @ http://www.flickr.com/photos/16923212@N08/1877501979

1 Comment | 2008, 2009, Reflecting, future, leadership, opportunities | Permalink
Posted by mobbsey

Reflecting

November 11, 2008
So, I’m sitting at Melbourne airport, having experienced a “blonde” moment after getting through security check…I picked up my laptop but left my bag…the security gaurd laughed at me when I had to slink back to get it. But right now I feel like I’m a little entitled to feel overwhelmed and brain fried. The last two days has challenged my thinking and given me far more questions than answers.

A couple of things that jump to mind right now:

- There is a need to move away from the known and traditional. We’re working in a world that is NOTHING like anything anyone has imagined before, but we’re still doing what’s always been done. Even those schools who stand up and say they’re doing things differently, I’m not convinced they really are. I’d love for someone to show me I’m wrong on that one.

- Education is at a very important cross roads and what we decide to do will resonate (as opposed to dictate) for a long time to come. We need to make sure we get it “right”.

- Leaders need to consider and define what it’s going to take to redefine pedagogy and what exactly we want our teachers to “look” like. On top of that how do we deal with the soon to hit “exodus” of baby boomers? How can we make teaching an appealing and sustaining profession? How do we move away from the top down leadership model we’ve been using for so long?

Angela Maiers speaks about the need to consider these things more extensively in her blog, “Teachers That are Difference Makers.”

- Teachers need to understand the generation they’re working with. Gen Y students are not Baby Boomers in waiting as Michael McQueen points out, we’ve never really dealt with anything like them – how will we cope with that?

- How will we support those teachers who are getting it right? Is it just about the flash and show and the pat on the back of public recognition or is it more than that? What does it need to be?

- How will 1-to-1 change the face of education? How can we avoid the “ugly” as described by Bruce Dixon from the Anytime Anywhere Learning Federation – I’ve seen it in action, we’re not getting this right in any way right now…how can I change the way I work in this environment to model better practice??

No Comments » | 21stCentLearning, AALF, ACC, Bruce Dixon, Generation Y, Michael McQueen, Reflecting | Permalink
Posted by mobbsey