End of the year: Part 1

My school allows teachers to complete an end of the year evaluation each year.  This is just an effort to allow everyone an opportunity to provide feedback on the strengths and weaknesses of the school and offer suggestions for improvement.  I’ll be sharing a version of my evaluation that is hopefully a help for others.  I have learned so much over the past year from engaging in 24/7/365 professional development on what I want when I want.  I’ve learned from some incredible leaders in the field of education that have been carving out a presence on social media for some time.  These leaders are constantly sharing the successes and failures from their own schools in an effort to allow others to learn and/or provide feedback.  In the past year…

  • I’ve attended two Edcamps, co-organizing one myself.  Both of these Edcamps have lead to the opportunity to develop connections with innovative educators like Bobby Dodd and Craig Vroom.
  • I got the opportunity to meet and listen to Dave Burgess, author of Teach Like A Pirate.  He’s been the most incredible educational speaker I’ve been fortunate enough to meet.
  • I’ve begun reading Eric Sheninger’s book Digital Leadership: Changing Paradigms for Changing Times.  Eric is principal at New Milford High School in New Jersey.  Just read his page about his typical day and you’ll be amazed.
  • I’ve engaged in conversations lead by front-line leaders in public education: Brad Currie, Joe Mazza, Rick Wormeli, Tom Murray, Jimmy Casas, Oliver Shinkten and many others.  The biggest reason for my growth as an educator is due to the time I’ve set aside to read tweets, blog posts, and engage in conversations with educators like these.  They have opened my eyes to a world I would have never known otherwise.

All of these things have lead to real, sustainable change in my practice as an educator and a leader.  I’ve had numerous opportunities crop up as a result of my growth and I’ve been able to make some awesome changes to my practice, all of which were not included in this post.  Completing my school survey caused me to reflect on my growth over the past year and I wanted to share it with you.

2 thoughts on “End of the year: Part 1

  1. Thanks for sharing and for helping to motivate me this year. I give you a hard time about being a “nerd” but I’ve been proud to watch you grow into a blossoming educator. Keep it up….WV hasn’t even seen the best of Mr. Oldfield yet, and they better be ready to hang on for a great ride!

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