ADE 2019 Reflection: Why I Broke Up With Twitter in 2019, and What I Learned!

When Apple Education asked for the Apple Distinguished Educators to reflect on their year,  the only thing I could think of was the blog I posted a few weeks back called Why I Broke Up With Twitter. That simple task of quieting the commentary and noise of social media has helped me to focus on continuing to do fun things with my Digital Leading and Learning Community (focused on COVA and CSLE) and also to rediscover my own creativity as a lesson designer.

I'm slowly getting back into the social media world, but for now, here are the lessons I learned in 2019, and what was birthed out of quieting the noise!

Apple Distinguished Educator Institute 2018

Where do I even begin? It's been a few years since I've been to ADE Institute and this one did not disappoint! When you find your tribe of people, cling to them... don't let go, and let their wisdom empower you to do amazing things!

Not only does this community push me out of my comfort zone, but we get to walk into so many adventures together.

Growth and Opportunities through the Apple Distinguished Educator Program

A few weeks ago I was given an opportunity to speak at TCEA in Austin. You would think speaking to other teachers is easy-I speak all day in front of students for a living. But man, talk about vulnerability and reality checks!

I was a nervous wreck as I prepared. But there’s something about putting yourself in a vulnerable position that is so magical: there’s an opportunity to see how far you’ve come. Through all the highs and deep valleys I’ve been through, I’ve come a long way in my 7 years as an educator. This last week of pouring into other educators reminded me that all of the hard work I’m doing in my classroom is movement in the right direction. That digging in and doing things differently—challenging my students to make an impact on their world around them—getting them to not only think analytically in science but creatively—to be problem solvers... all of this is confirmation that what we do in my class is absolutely worth it.

Reflections of #ISTE2016

A few weeks ago I was fortunate enough to attend and present at the ISTE Conference in Denver (thank you Westlake Academy!). Over 14,000 people involved in education attended this conference. While at first this was VERY overwhelming (trying to choose which lectures and speakers I wanted to hear), I found being surrounded by like-minded educators and technologists like a slice of home!

I led a poster session with my fellow ADE's Dr. Layne Morsch and Maggie Mabery called "Lights, Camera, Science Action!," a session on student authored videos in science middle school through higher education. (See our poster session documents here). I really enjoyed leading and visiting many of the poster sessions. These sessions are scheduled within a two-hour window. As you visit, you can stay for as long as you like at a table to hear about a particular topic and ask as many questions as you want. I love this style of presenting because it allows you to have personal conversations with others!

ADE 2015 Institute Reflection

It's been a few weeks since the Apple Distinguished Educator (ADE) Institute. And I'm not sure that I've fully processed my experience.

When I arrived, even when I received the email of congratulations, it felt pretty unbelievable to be having this type of experience. I have felt a little Wayne's World "not worthy" for much of my teaching career. Most four-year experienced teachers are not typically in my position. Arriving to Miami for Institute felt so surreal.

ADE 2015

It has been a busy year! Behind the scenes I'm setting up labs, tearing down labs, making comments for constructive feedback on student work, grading, planning, and well...you get it!

Somehow I found time to speak at a few engagements this year, which led me to apply to become an Apple Distinguished Educator for 2015.

I am SO excited to say that I have been accepted! Here is my ADE nomination video.