Woo hoo day three!

On Monday I was a bit selfish and reflected only on my personal feelings. Tuesday I

Tuesday I shelfed my ego a bit and focused on team spirit and the beauty of collaboration.

Tonight I want to go a little more big picture and focus on the value of being part of a nationwide network.

The teaching profession can be a lonely one. We all know a colleague who works in isolation, eats alone, and disappears the moment the buses roll. Well, we know of him but we aren’t exactly sure what his name is. Now this late in your New Tech journey you know that this is not the description of a New Tech facilitator.

In addition to using your team as a resource, I encourage you to tap into the vast resources the network provides. By this I don’t mean stealing projects from Echo. Admit it, you’ve contemplated it. Although this temptation exists, nobody knows your kids and community like you do, so don’t underestimate your awesomeness. I recommend you start your nationwide networking before you leave Grand Rapids. Put your thumbs to work and hop on Twitter or Facebook.

If you’re new to social media, it’s okay to be a tourist for a bit. Sit back and observe the conversations. You will be surprised how much you can learn and even contribute. However, I’m sure if you’re reading this post you’ve already found New Tech on social media. If social media can be used to organize social change and revolutions around the world, I’m sure you can use it to get some advice on PBL. If social media isn’t your thing, do things the old fashioned way and speak to some strangers in your sessions. I know your parents warned you against it, but New Schools is an exception. It never ceases to amaze me that despite our geographical differences and distances, we facilitators have much in common. Exchange numbers and emails. We are all in this process together. Sometimes in moments of frustration we need to talk to someone who is experiencing the same challenges as us but has a different outlook. With this week flying by, take some time and make some friends. We are all on the same team and sharing this unique experience. Use these last few days to be awesome together.

It never ceases to amaze me that despite our geographical differences and distances, we facilitators have much in common. Exchange numbers and emails. We are all in this process together. Sometimes in moments of frustration we need to talk to someone who is experiencing the same challenges as us but has a different outlook. With this week flying by, take some time and make some friends. We are all on the same team and sharing this unique experience. Use these last few days to be awesome together.