What's Changed in 2009?

I think Darah's comment to Will resonates deeply with me as I ponder the upcoming perfect (not to be taken literally) storm in ACPS. Budget, programs, systems, hierarchies, etc. Is now the time to blow things up and start over? Did we really start with the blow-up last year with the restructuring? I love the idea of new opportunities, but I also fear the riots! Talk has started... fear is setting in? Questions are arising? People's worth and systems are being challenged. This can be very good indeed... but what comes out on the other side? Has everyone sacrificed yet? It will truly involve sacrifice if you do not embrace the challenges as an opportunity! Has everyone changed at least one thing that they've always done? Where are you? Where am I? The coaching model will certainly come under fire. I am in deep thought over the pros and cons of this model... as I work to use my collaborative spirit to influence reflection. So what's all this about reflection you say? I'm now arriving at what has changed for me in 2009. REFLECTION. Analyzing reflection based on conversation and observation... and moving toward experimentation. I know... this sounds like "bullsh!##. But it really isn't? More later... as my thoughts right now are getting deeper than the snow outside. I've had to let go of familiar spaces and people and embrace new. I've attempted to be true to my beliefs and practices within new environments. It hasn't been easy, but yet I'm aware that it looks very easy. I need to think some more on this post and the changes that I've personally experienced. But... in the meantime, I challenge you to think about what's changed for you in 2009 in your professional life as an educator? Where are you growing and which of your attitudes have been challenged?

12 TED TALKS for Teachers before 2010

Well as I sit snowed in and procrastinating about my holiday life... here are some inspirational TED Talks that I am enjoying. It's amazing what you can learn while flitting from one micro-blog to another... and how time can just pass you by. Is it wasting time or is it time well wasted? I will plow through these talks before my road gets plowed and that's for sure! Enjoy... if there's anyone out there!