When I think about what it means to be an innovative educator, the word EXCITEMENT comes to mind. Building lessons that get our students excited about learning is what it’s all about. As an Instructional Technology Specialist, it is my job and privilege to provide teachers with the information and ideas for how to properly implement innovative strategies in their classrooms. In John Kotter’s (2011) video “Communicating a Vision for Change,” he argues that the companies that get it right are the ones who find ways to efficiently use what’s going on to constantly share information in lots of different ways. The key word here is “constantly.” This challenges me because in my role, it’s easy to give out new information monthly through a newsletter, but true change comes with daily information in all kinds of ways! I’m inspired to think of new ways I can communicate with teachers beyond the ways I’m doing now.
Additionally, I have to say that I’m pretty proud of myself when it comes to being an innovative educator. After reading the post “Are You an Innovative Educator? Here’s How to Find Out,” I am validated in the ways I lead teachers. Lisa Nielsen (2016) tells us that “we must provide environments where students can engage in innovative, real-world experiences they find meaningful. When you do that you move toward becoming an innovative educator.” I am always challenging teachers to share projects outside of their classroom walls, whether it be with other classes, the school, our community, or the organizations/authors they are researching. I provide them with the proper tech apps to create and gather projects and give advice on how to share. My only hope is that I maintain the passion and knowledge to make a difference and inspire each and every teacher I work with.
Kotter, John. (2011, March 23). John Kotter - Communicating a Vision for Change [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bGVe3wRKmH0
Nielsen, Lisa. (2016, March 13). Are You An Innovative Educator? Here's How to Find Out. Lisa Nielsen: The Innovative Educator. https://theinnovativeeducator.blogspot.com/2016/03/are-you-innovative-educator-heres-how.htm
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