So what did you learn in 2015? For me, 2015 continued to be a year of personal and professional growth and learning. I had the amazing opportunity to work as a Technology Coach in my school board, which allowed me to continue to learn more about technology and pedagogy, but more importantly network with some terrific educators. I am tremendously grateful and was blessed to co-teach and co-learn with students and teachers all over our school board.
I also had the opportunity to present and attend #ISTE2015 and meet many global members of my professional learning network (PLN) which was definitely another highlight! Aside from #ISTE2015 I also presented and facilitated sessions with many gifted educators and collaborated on fun and engaging local and global educational projects, something I definitely hope to continue in the new year.
Another highlight has been working at my current school where I am continuing to learn and be inspired by a dedicated group of educators, administration and school community. I feel comfortable taking risks and so do my students. The school was recently awarded by Microsoft for a #ThankyouTeachers award from schools across Canada.
Reading through my Reflection in 2014 I accomplished most of the goals I set for myself in 2015, including working on Minecraft structures in science and running my first half-marathon. I also ran my first full marathon, which taught me a lot about myself. I met some great people through the training process and made new friends. The group that I trained with provided me with guidance and support throughout the entire process, reaffirming once again the true lesson for me in 2015…its all about relationships! I am grateful and honoured for all the people that I learned with in 2015 including both educators, students, parents and runners! It is with your support and guidance that I was able to achieve my goals in 2015.
So what’s in store for 2016? I am excited to have recently become a Microsoft Innovate Educator Expert (MIEE) and I hope to continue to network and share my learning at upcoming conferences. As noted earlier, I am going to continue to work globally with my PLN and I also never did meet my personal goal of completing a sprint triathlon: however one of my goals both professionally and personally is to work on Mindfulness. This may come as a surprise given that this is a technology blog but one of my personal goals it to teach and model for my young students how to balance the use of technology in their lives. Mindfulness is part of that goal in helping students learn to become fully present and creating a learning environment that is open to learning. At the school I work at we have been working on Mindfulness Mondays as an entire school with success. The students are really enjoying the process and so am I!
Happy New year to my wonderful PLN. Wishing you peace, joy and health in 2016.