Many people go into teaching to make a difference in the world. All of our real life heroes as well as our real life villains have in part, among other things, been the product of all of their teachers. If we stop and think of what that means it is amazing. Most of us who have dared to teach have experienced the moments of discovery that occur when their students “get it”. That look and that feeling alone is sometimes better then a paycheck.
As I was studying for my masters in education at the University of Central Florida, I was given a fabulous chance to teach at a local high school. The opportunity was greatly enhanced by the fact that I was given the gift of several experienced teachers as mentors. What I quickly found out was that many of our most tenured teachers were remarkably behind in their knowledge of how to apply technology in the classroom. While I was there I enjoyed many opportunities to learn, but some of the most fulfilling times were spent teaching the teachers.
I think that what propelled all this excitement was the realization that if I could change the world by teaching 100 students at a time, what would the possibilities be if I could teach something to 100 teachers who were then able to reach 100 students each? THAT my esteemed friends and colleagues, is changing the world!
So by coupling my loves of teaching and learning with my other loves of gadgetry and technology I launch this blog to;
- Help myself to learn more about the needs of classroom teachers on all levels
- Provide a place to meet friends and develop professional relationships
- Enhance the skills of educators
- And yes, in my very small way, change the world
MJN
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I do know what you mean by the look on a student's face when they finally get it. And it is worth more than the paycheck. What is your project going to be about?
ReplyDeleteHi Nancy, thanks for stopping by. That "ah-ha" moment is something only teachers share and something they have in common, it is what binds us together. It is a very special thing. Not sure on the project I get inspired in strange ways, I have to just let it flow! Talk to you soon.
ReplyDeleteMJN