I Always Had the Power

It has been a while since my last negative post. For me it was a dark moment in my personal and professional life. I was looking for external people and things to fix the problems, not realizing one simple idea: I Always Had the Power.

Not that this idea was some magic wand that made everything better, but I knew I would have to work at making life better. At school I concentrated on what I still loved, the students. That meant working with my classes on projects and sponsoring two clubs this year. On the other hand I cut out everything that was bringing me down. That included many meetings, avoiding negative conversations, and reducing my volunteer rate. Pulling back made me realize that I do great things without being so visible around the building. In the process, I believe the time is respected more by others.


Then there is the other side of my professional life, sharing with others. There is such a joy sharing what I know and what I do with educators. In the past couple of months I was fortunate to fly to California to share iPad lessons, develop a new webinar series for MSET, and present movie-making projects at our district's conference, Powering Up With Technology. What amazing opportunities to meet educators with the same passion for technology in education. Just in the past two days I have received so many kind comments, it is the fuel to stay on a positive track and do what I love.


While life is not perfect, it is improving. The fact that I used my power to make change, that is even better.

Tips for MSET 2011

This is my second year providing some MSET conference tips. Hopefully you will find this helpful and feel free to share.

If you have not registered for MSET, what are you waiting for?

MSET Conference Home

My Conference Evolution

My first major conference experience occurred five years ago when my school had a grant that afforded me the opportunity to attend the NMSA ( National Middle School Association) conference in Philly. It was a jaw- dropping event for me as a new middle school educator and I wanted to make the most of it by attending all ten sessions. The vice principal that come along with us at the time made a comment at the time that I really didn't understand until this weekend. While I don't remember the exact phrasing, she said that I was "missing out" because I was attending so many sessions. All I thought was I was missing was the information from the other sessions and that our VP might be wasting school funds, but after attending the MSET (Maryland Society for Education Technology) conference these past two days I realized I was wrong.

In two days time, I presented in three sessions, was backup in one session, and attended one and I couldn't be happier. I could have dedicated myself to attend all sessions and be quiet while searching for new bits of information, but I think I wouldn't enjoyed myself as much. It was better to catch up with those I never get to see and engage in great conversations with complete strangers.

Normally I end a convention day heading home or a hotel room, but not this time. After a quick turn around there was the MSET tweetup and a night in the inner harbor. It was a great night filled with laughter and friends.

Saturday was a little unusual since this was the first time MSET/MICCA was on a Saturday. Attendance was low, but it made sessions more personal and attendees felt comfortable speaking up in sessions. That was probably the most relaxed I have ever been in a presentation, but I still gave my attendees my best. Unfortunately, I can't say the same for others that presented at the end of the day. This was another lesson I learned for the day: Always respect your audience whether there is two or a hundred. Don't just muddle through out of obligation. I know a little off topic, but had to be said.

So what is my advice about conferences?

It is all about balance.

Of course you should attend to learn and grow as an educator. The day I feel like I don't need to learn is not only the day I quit going to conferences, but I quit the profession. Please take time to be social.

• Talk to a stranger
• Add to your PLN
• If there is an after hours meet-up, get your second wind and join in
• Make your Professional Learning Network more Personal

The Power of Mentoring

As state testing comes to an end for now and Spring Break begins, it feels good to get back to my blog. Of course I have a ton of thoughts about state testing, but my ideas are shared by many other teachers so I will spare any readers from a soapbox post. The end of April marks the MSET conference which has highlighted a theme for me this year: there a great power in mentoring.

In the past few years I have lucky enough to have a great mentor and friend in my course supervisor, Barbara L. When we first met she immediately calmed me down as I was so nervous to start a new technology course. Over the years she has been my biggest cheerleader and has given me opportunities to add input on technology issues at the district level. From her I have learned numerous leadership lessons and she is there for me at all sorts of strange hours. Probably some of the most important lessons have been to take risks and "sin boldly."

What I just realized the other day is that now I have become a technology mentor for a couple teachers at my school. Of course for years I have been sharing links and lesson ideas, but this is something more. A colleague and I graduated with the same technology integration degree, but now I am supporting her as she is starting to present at conferences. I am so impressed with her as she has prepared for her first MSET presentation. Just like Barbara did for me, I am there for constant feedback and support. Another teacher who wanted to join the school's technology team just to learn more comes to me to help with developing projects that integrate technology and he is even giving Twitter a chance.

So here is my point. If you don't have a mentor, find one. That person can help you reach the next level.

If you can, be a mentor. It is a great feeling and you are helping create change.

Am I normal?

If last week was any indication, the answer is a resounding no! My favorite time this past school week was when I had an opportunity to meet with other district techies to discuss the possibilities of the Livescribe pen in schools. I love brainstorming and being around people that are thinking ahead rather than backwards or worse those that complain about the present. It refreshed my spirit to think that technology is still moving forward while I spend my days reviewing the functions of Study Island or resetting accounts.

Then the end of the week marked the Powering Up with Technology conference in my district. Another opportunity to be around people that "get it." Not just the experts, but even the newbies inspire me because they see the value of technology in education and they are willing to give up their time and money to pursue knowledge.

I gave up a night of potential fun Friday so I could be at my best for this conference. I don't expect the people that went out that night to "get it." One of them even was even rude about after the fact. That is okay because I had a great time Saturday and that is a hundred times better than a night that most of them are not going to remember in the morning.

So if you are normal too, embrace it! Normal is boring and won't change the current state of education. I will continue to enjoy my differences and try to surround myself with people that see the big picture whenever possible. MSET and ISTE are too far away! :-(