My dad taught for 35 years.  Once a year he had an opportunity to meet with other teachers from around the province to network and share, but there really wasn’t any focus on professional development or collaboration.

Things are changing.  For the past four summers I have been fortunate to attend the Lausanne Laptop Institute, a conference for current or prospective 1:1 educators (as well as a few other events in between).  I remember my first experience at LI – hesitant, uncertain, constantly measuring what we do against what I was seeing.  It was where I first heard David Warlick.  It really was the start down a new path towards becoming a 21st century learner.

Since then, I have realized the power of connecting and networking.  I go to conferences for many reasons; but the primary focus is on learning through conversations and developing professional relationships that I can leverage later for student collaborative learning projects.  Two years ago I left Memphis pumped and phoned my boss from Chicago on the way home.  I told him I would not return alone; that more teachers needed and deserved this experience. He agreed.  Last year we had 8 teachers attend.

Next summer we’re back – this time 14 strong – with a new mission.  Nashwaaksis Middle School has been selected as the School Spotlight Award winner for LI2009.  As such, our staff will host a series of 13 workshops / sessions where we will share our on-going story of transforming from teaching to learning, where student’s connecting and creating is the centerpiece of what we do.

I just booked the plane tickets for our staff.  We were going to wait til after Christmas and thought we would have to drive the three hours to Bangor, Maine to get cheap flights, but Air Canada‘s current seat sale forced our hand.  It’s now done, booked, invoiced and non-refundable. There’s no turning back.  Our staff are pumped!

I would love to see you in Memphis too!

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