Our shared vision of a WILD school became a strategic plan. I created that WILD School Toolkit that includes an educator assessment to articulate how WILD school components can enhance learning. Educators evaluate to determine where they are on a professional learning continuum, set a goal, and use the toolkit of resources to achieve that goal.
WILD is an integral part of Willard’s brand and its shared vision. WILD stands for wonder, impact, lead, and develop. Our administration team came up with the instructional framework for a WILD school to brand district initiatives like personalized learning (PL) and project-based learning (PBL) into a Wildcat’s dream.Engaging our stakeholders in developing and adopting a shared vision for instruction that encompasses PL, PBL, performance-based assessments (PBAs), and relevant instructional technology has vastly improved our students’ success in collaboration and critical thinking skills.
As an educator, I read and learn constantly. Traditionally, I learn by finding others’ cool ideas and adapting them using our school district’s technology tools. I am a bit of a tech junkie and love learning new tools to use in the elementary and middle school classroom. My newest ways of learning come from being in a full time graduate program for Education Leadership at George Mason University, participating in several book studies including the book, The Innovator’s Mindset by George Couros and Future Focused Leaders by Dr. Bill Ziegler, and lastly re-watching Star Trek Voyager as I work out in the mornings to find the leadership lesson sprinkled in each episode. As I learn, I realize more and more that I don’t take the time to stop and reflect or share my aha moments.
That brings me to the “why” of this blog. This blog is to help me reflect on the bigger moments. Reflection is not only a huge buzz word in the education world right now, it is also the next step toward deeper learning and individuals making meaningful contributions to the world. In a world filled with the next big re-make or re-design, it is important that we reflect on the knowledge we consume so that we can contribute to the world and not just re-post another famous quote that gives everyone warm fuzzies. That’s not to say that I don’t love my quote of the day, but I yearn to strive for more. As an innovative leader, I aspire to practice awesome in a way that lands my name at the end of one of those quotes one day. Therefore, I must start to truly take the time to reflect and make my reflections known. I’ll use this space to share the ideas, tools, and people that I run across in my journey and reflect on how those things help me practice awesome each day.
P.S. If you want to know my take on the lessons gained from Star Trek, you will have to follow me on Twitter, @AllStarAwesome.