The Power of Literacy in the Lives of Marginalized Girls

Did you know that one of the most "vulnerable and marginalized groups" in regions where basic rights are denied is the adolescent girl? In 2002, a young girl, Gulalai, and some friends took a bold stand in an effort to promote the women's rights movement in Pakistan. Then in October 2012, a sixteen year old Pakistani, Malala Yousafzai, was shot in the head by Taliban gunmen for advocating the rights of girls to attend school. Thanks to UNESCO and these young female activists, global awareness regarding the plight of young girls in developing countries who face daily challenges has been brought to light. Because Americans are privileged to have an education, we sometimes forget that there are those who are denied the basic right to learning and that social injustice does exist around the world. 

To promote girls' rights across the continents, the United Nations celebrated the second International Day of the Girl Child on October 11, 2013. Center stage was Malala who, as an ardent blogger and charismatic spokesperson against social injustice, continues her fight for education for all. Recognized as one of the most influential voices of this generation and the youngest person to be nominated for a Noble Peace Prize, Malala's message is clear, education is for everyone. But according to the Global Partnership for Education, "women represent nearly two thirds of the world's illiterate and 31 million girls are still out of school around the world." Kofi Anna, former United Nations Secretary General, said, “Literacy unlocks the door to learning throughout life…” It is unfortunate that ten years after Anna's call for the elimination of worldwide illiteracy, the issue still exists.

Even though going to school remains a security issue for young women in countries like Pakistan and Afghanistan, young leaders like Gulali and Malala are drawing community and worldwide attention for those who venture to attain a basic education. Their call for equal access to education is reflected in a picture book, Nasreen's Secret School by Jeanette Winter. Although this book was not written to specifically tell Gulali and Malala's stories, Nasreen's tale is based on a true story of courageous young girls and their families who defied the Taliban to attend a secret school. Set in war-torn Afghanistan, the book describes a grandmother's unwavering determination to have her granddaughter receive an education. As a story depicting the power of literacy, Nasreen's Secret School was selected as a text for the NYS 3rd Grade Module 1, Becoming a Close Reader and Writing to Learn. Despite the fact that the story has a global message of hope and courage, illustrations depicting war have caused a stir in some school districts. A group of New York City parents, troubled by some of the images in the book and what they perceive is an introduction of a war perspective to third graders, have raised their voices in protest, leading to the publishing of the New York Post article, New York approves war-oriented reading textbooks for third-grade classrooms on March 18, 2013. 

In reply to the emotional reaction to the utilization of Nasreen's Secret School and The Librarian of Basra, NYC Chancellor Walcott "emphasized that the ultimate decision on using the material rests with principals, but suggested that schools were the right forum for kids to learn about serious topics like conflict." This message has been echoed by the NYSED Education Department through a letter to families that was inserted in the NYS ELA Grade 3 Module 1, Unit 1, Lesson 6 on engageny. The letter notes "the importance of literacy and books, even during times of war" and  hopes to alleviate parental concerns about the introduction of this story in the curriculum. 

While it is true that there are images and references to war and violence in Nasreen's Secret School, the deep seated message is one of hope in the power of education to transform young girls' lives. Jeanette Winter emphasizes this idea towards the end of the book. "Windows opened for Nasreen in that little schoolroom." The author does not make a political statement about war in this book nor in The Librarian of Basra. Rather, the words in the story infer that books and literacy do influence and transform lives.  If still inclined to doubt the validity of this book as a story for young children, one can rest assured students are being directed in structured discussions on the power of literacy by capable and sensitive teachers. But, the ultimate decision about the inclusion or exclusion of Nasreen's Secret School and The Librarian of Basra in the classroom does rest with each district after a thoughtful reading.

As we read these books, it becomes evident of the power of literacy in the lives of marginalized girls in third world countries and the fact that education gives voice against social injustice. Perhaps, you have a commentary on this issue. If so, please share your impressions.

Engagement at the Heart of Learning

Peer with me into an active learning environment. You won't find rows of desks familiar to the Industrial Age model of education but rather an interactive classroom, a place buzzing with students who notice, wonder, discover, and construct knowledge. A teacher, as a facilitator, guides the learning of curious minds who engage in multiple approaches to unlocking meaning. Linear thinking is not the norm in this place of learning. Divergent thinking is developed and insights sought after. Various protocols and practices are used to engage these learners in collaborative discussions with diverse partners. Further, students are seen delving deeply into specific topics. Take a second look: see a classroom where the door is open to limitless possibilities and different pathways to learning.  

Step inside; all students have equal opportunities to access knowledge and are found connecting to different pathways to learning through integrated technologies. Students exhibit a passion for learning.  You don't have to blink twice at this vision. This is not a dream scenario. It is the emergence of the active learning classroom where possibilities await students who are provided a thirst for knowledge. It is a real place of learning found in many districts throughout the country. It is the classroom of today, tomorrow, and the future where students are led on a journey of the mind for "Learning is not attained by chance, it must be sought for with ardor and attended to with diligence." (First Lady Abigail Adams) 

Front and center in this active environment are engaging, learning opportunities that allow for discovery, forward moves, reflection, rediscovery, ah hah moments, and new directions. Active learners navigate through muddy waters guided by their teacher facilitator. The concepts that learning is a messy process and all learners can succeed are the guiding principles. Step back. Notice the pulse beat of learning: student engagement, noted by Marzano in his research on effective classrooms as an essential component. Here, students involve themselves in the process  of learning as they engage in the completion of task. Process over product is valued and inquiry skills developed.

Reflect upon what is seen. Students emerge at various stages of being independent thinkers, collaborators, problem solvers, and meaning makers throughout the day. They interact with diverse partners in focused conversations filled with accountable talk through such groupings as partnerships, triads, and quads. Carefully crafted collaborative and independent activities foster stamina. Students are seen exploring, explaining, analyzing, and presenting. At the end of the lesson, reflection on mastery of the learning target occurs. This is a snapshot of an engaging learning environment where learning is fostered by reflective practitioner who is constantly honing his/her craft. 

Creating engaged, interactive classrooms that prepare students to meet the challenges of a fast-paced information age is a challenging charge, but not an impossible one. Be the guide on the side that assists students to achieve the possibilities that learning can afford them. Join #nyedchat tonight to discuss your views on the topic of student engagement, a critical component of effective classrooms.

One Halloween after Superstorm Sandy: Back to Normalcy

It's Halloween, and so I eagerly ready myself for the ringing of the door bell and the uttering of "Trick or treat" that signals the start of the event. Decorations are strategically placed. Candy is set out in the treasured spooky pumpkin vessel complete with bewitching sounds. New purple and white lights sparkle against an array of seasonal delights as the first Halloween trick or treaters approach. The door bell rings and I am struck with awe at the multitudes of children and parents parading in large groups in front of my eyes.  I can't help but feel elated by the engaging smiles, sounds of friendly families, and excited voices of children of all ages. As I watch the parade of costumed characters, dressed in their ghoulish garb or fairytale princess looks, I realize that the neighborhood is once again alive with children's laughter and the spirit of connectedness, for it was but one year ago when the annual trick or treat event was dimmed by the Long Island disaster, Superstorm Sandy. 

This year, it appears as if there are no remembrances of a menacing storm that darkened the neighborhood last Halloween. There is a clear walkway for the parade of gleeful celebrators of Halloween. As I watch the scene, I sense a spirit of bonding and happiness. There is a feeling of newness that was lost by the events of last October. Halloween is a happening this year in my neighborhood in Rockville Centre.

I keep staring at the scene outside my window because there seems to be a Norman Rockwell spirit that pervades my neighborhood. Watching families join together, sharing the sheer pleasure of togetherness appears to be a throw back to years ago when my own children were walking the streets of the neighborhood with buckets in hand and parents towing in the background. Remembrances of years gone by overrides the memories of last Halloween when the streets were barren, the houses dark, and the general feeling of sadness and exhaustion caused all to be heavy of heart. I take what I see this Halloween as a sign of a new direction. 

As nightfall begins to darken the sky, the after dinner trick and treaters are still coming to the door. Luckily, the candy bowl has been replenished after a mad dash to the supermarket. The doorbell seems to ring every five to ten minutes, but it is with pleasure that my family greets the little children that seem to be having a wonderful Halloween this year. I am truly enjoying this event that is connecting the neighborhood together once again and I hope that this is so all over Long Island. 

From my neighborhood to yours, I wish you the spirit of connectedness.

Reflect, Connect, and Collaborate with NYS Educators

We reflect on past practices. We engage with colleagues. We discuss. We collaborate. We push our thinking. We move to the next level. We become a collective voice of the information age. Gone are the days of the factory model when doors were closed and teachers worked independently of each other. "Technology has taken us to an new level where we can collaborate beyond our wildest imaginations." (Tom Whitby) So, it is time to get connected, build a PLN, and grow as a lifelong learner. Connected Educators is continuing its October campaign to help educators thrive in a connected world. Be part of the movement to connect, collaborate, and build your personal learning network. Be like our students who are asked to notice and wonder. Find a topic, explore your thoughts, and be bold enough to join the conversation. 

Yesterday, I joined the moderating team of Tony Sinanis, Bill Brennan, Blanca Duarte, Vicki Day, and Starr Sackstein to relaunch #NYedchat. The conversation was buzzing about what being connected means and why it is important. Before the conversation started, I read that Twitter has become one of the must-have tools in the educator's toolbox. Stay tuned, stay informed, stay connected slogans to drive conversations are everywhere. So I ask myself, why is Twitter a must have tool? With fast-paced conversation via 140 characters it provides asynchronous professional development. It has opened my doors, impacted my thinking, teaching practices, and learning. Twitter has become a constant source of information and new ideas to examine. Further, it has given me the opportunity to discuss timely topics with educators around the globe. Conversations are fast, articulations well-crafted, and my network is broadened each day. I am humbled by the experience of co-moderating topical conversations that link educator to educator.

If Twitter is a source of information for educators, what is needed is a growing body of educators to become connected. It has been noted by Tony Sinanis that NY educators are under-represented on Twitter. Research did not provide this thought. It is based on his exchanges and connections. Will #nyedchat be able to turn the tide and draw more educators in to the conversation? The moderating team hopes that this will become a reality. As we draw closer to the next NYedchat, please mark November 4, 2013, 8:30 pm on your calendar. Out-of-state educators and parents are welcomed to join the group as was the case with the relaunch event. 

As a collective group of impassioned New York educators, through #nyedchat we can open doors, go beyond the walls of our classrooms/buildings/districts, and bring back fresh ideas. We can engage with a broader range of educators. We can connect with current and new colleagues to learn. In addition, we can join conversations that validate our beliefs and bring about change in daily practice; learn from each other; allow global conversations and perspectives to frame new thinking about education. With one purpose, we can rise like the phoenix, a fire bird igniting the flame that connects us all to the one reason why we came into the profession. 

Join the NYedchat moderators as we soar throughout New York State as one committed body of educators ready to build the next generation of critical thinkers, resolute decision makers, and creative problem solvers. 

Comments are welcomed and can be posted below or on #nyedchat. 

Ethics-A Torch Bearer for Change

The concept of ethical leadership is one that cuts across all organizations. It is a topic that stands alone in a world fraught with fears, materialism, and intensity. A reflective perspective is needed when speaking about this topic for discussions to be fruitful. The #leadfromwithin PLN posed this topic last night and through a series of well-structured questions elicited thoughtful responses. Being that the exchange was philosophical in nature, I  lurked temporarily while reflecting on the intensity of the questions and the flow of conversation. I jumped in when I felt ready to voice my opinion. Pointed questions encouraged the professional learning community to speak their mind from a lead from within stance. Statements surfaced as quickly as questions were posted. Engrossing, stimulating conversation led me to ponder each thought. Lolly Daskal kept the pace flowing in the hour-long talk that she described as empowering. Not knowing the community of learners, I was truly impressed by the questions put forth and the collegial nature of the respondents. 

In today's multi-modal, fast-paced world, leadership is a fine balancing act. Leaders look to the future while building a foundation of trust. Organizations grow because of such strategically-minded leaders who have vision and an ethical code of conduct, housed in a defined set of beliefs. With toolbox in hand, ethical leaders explore new ground with their stakeholders, using mission and vision statements powered by strategic plans to map the course. Norms to establish a common language are perched on top to be the first handout for step one of the journey. Reflection, assessment, and action, based on commitment to the vision, are the next layer of tools to further a collaborative spirit among participants. Without the resources, commitment, and passion to lay the course, organizations cannot proceed on a success-oriented path. 

Ethical leadership lights the torch to move others along the path, beyond the norm, and onto a new landscape, but as Franklin D. Roosevelt once said, "A good leader can't get too far ahead of his followers." The leader must pave the way but with discretion, know when to slow the pace, reevaluate, and then move one step further. It is not about the distance we cover, but the depth of each leg of the journey. Leaders know the value of pacing while on the path.  They model determination, resolutely guiding their organizations from a solid footing rooted in strong values and beliefs. Gathering momentum from the collective conscience of their groups, leaders move their organizations forward.

One bright light in this world, can ignite a fire of change but it takes ethics, passion, and endurance, the marks of a resolute leader. As you move steadfastly on your journey of growth and instructional change, be ever mindful that ethics drives your course. Dream, become a learner, inspire, build momentum, and act in a way that others will willingly follow your path. The road is rocky, but the goal of positively impacting the teaching and learning lives of others is noble. Be the guide on the side, not the sage on the stage to courageously move forward.

Collaborate, Engage, Stay Connected with NY Educators

Networking is about collaborating, actively engaging, and connecting with colleagues to learn, validate your beliefs, or affect change in daily practice. It is going beyond the day's work to spend time growing as a professional. In today's connected age, real time conversations happen every day in a Twitter environment. There is no face-to-face talk but there is threaded conversation found in 140 characters. Ten years ago, when I founded the Reflective Pathway community of committed district educators, collegial conversations were face to face or with a small circle of critical friends conversing via a listserv. My conversations today have moved to a more global level through blogging and tweeting where there are no boundaries and no limits to the potential of thoughtful conversations. 

I once again give credit to Tony Sinanis and JoEllen McCarthy for introducing me to the world of 140 character conversations. I "lurked" before cautiously committing to tweeting and blogging, knowing that my thoughts would be in the public domain. But due to the trusting environments of various PLNs, I have moved forward as a connected educator with a small network of educators in New York State, across the states, and even across the seas. 

Beyond these steps, I have now journeyed to become one of five co-moderators of NYedchat. Tonight at the kick off brainstorming session, high energy was felt and a structured approach to developing collaborative talk was discussed. The launch of the 2013-14 edition of #NYedchat is now ready to air on Twitter on October 21, 2013 from 8:30-9:30. I invite you to join Tony Sinanis, Bill Brennan, Blanca Duarte, Vicki Day, and me twice a month to discuss timely topics of interest for New York State educators. With the goal of connecting educators across New York State, NYedchat hopes to build a culture of open conversations, collaboration, and purposeful talk to grow connections and push educators thinking. 

As a group of committed educators, 

we can make a difference. 

All you need to do is tune in to Twitter twice a month on Monday nights to be connected to #NYedchat and share the vision. 

 

If you are new to Twitter, get a handle (mine is @lady1890) and tweet out replies to various questions posed by moderators.

Books Change Lives

Reading is one of my passions but it is not a universal one shared by all. Sometimes, I think how sad it is to not have developed a love for reading; not to have grown up feeling the weight of a book in your hand or the thrill of reading late into the night. 

Books are a uniquely portable magic. 
Stephen King

Indeed, books have magic. They helped me create my own private space and took me to places that I would never have been able to visit. They were the sights and sounds that I might never have heard other than in between the pages. As a child, books provided me with a feeling that I stored in the recesses of my mind for years and then, transferred to my own children. 

Growing up in a house of readers is a different picture than the one painted for many children in America. I remember the cries of children coming to elementary school with no gloves and little warm clothing during very cold snowstorms in upstate New York. There were the junior high students who did not own books and were not passionate about reading; the adolescent boys in the juvenile detention center that longed to know how to read despite their challenging situations. Thinking back on a career filled with struggling readers makes me reflect on the influences teachers have on children's lives. Passion for reading and learning is infectious. 

On Thursday night, in a lovely living room space at Scholastic headquarters in New York City, Laura Robb, nationally known teacher/author, and her son, Evan Robb, principal and author, greeted guests at an evening get together devoted to the power of books and how literacy changes lives. They passionately showcased their philanthropic foundation, Educator2Educator (E2E), whose mission it is to:

• Provide print and e-books to high poverty school and class libraries from preschool to high school.
• Develop a professional library for teachers with suggestions for collaborating to learn and improve instruction so teachers can prepare students to meet 21st century needs by developing problem solvers, expert readers and writers, expert users of technology, collaborators, and creative thinkers.

The Robbs spoke of the opportunities reading provides for struggling learners and why they feel so strongly about the place of books in children's hands.  Evan recounted a recent story of a middle school child who desperately wanted a book he saw at the Scholastic Book Fair in his middle school but did not have $7.99 to pay for it. Laura read student letters speaking of the power of reading and learning. Supported by UBS Financial Services and an Advisory Board of notable figures, the night offered pleasant conversations and reflecting time in an environment that highlighted a print-rich environment and the power that reading brings. 

There are so many students living in poverty who have not had the privilege of a book rich home environment.  There are those who have not even been exposed to the public library or if they have do not have opportunities to frequent it. Books change lives. That is a clear message that we heard. "I hated reading in middle school and most of high school. I couldn't read the books. I couldn't write essays or stories. Reading gave me a headache. I was going to drop out, but my tenth grade teacher for my special help class told me I was smart. He helped with reading every day. He got other teachers to help me. I graduated high school. I'm starting college next year." This real voice from the classroom is one heard by many teachers across America. Laura Robb made the voice public. As a dedicated teacher for over 40 years, she has passionately prepared students for their roles in society and continues to provide teachers with guidance, research in the field of literacy, and modeled examples of strategic reading. Her love for reading and what it offers was felt by all in the room on Thursday night. 

With the Common Core rigorous expectations, voluminous reading is a priority. Developing children's passion for reading is a combined call to action for both parents and educators. Did you know???

• 10% of American public schools don't have a central library where students can check out books.
• Each year 1.3 million high school students drop out due to poor reading and writing skills; more than half are students of color (Alliance for Excellent Education, 2010).

If inclined, you may wish to visit the Educator2Educator website to find out more about the noble cause of bringing books and ebooks to high poverty schools. Also, part of the initiative is to develop professional libraries for teachers to meet the challenges of creating learners who read like detectives and write like conscientious, investigative reports. Teachers may wish to apply for grants from the foundation.  Information is noted on the website.

United voices are heard across the globe today as we celebrate World Teacher's Day. Educator2Educator is but one voice speaking to the cause of the power of books to change lives. 

World Teacher's Day

Today, October 5, 2013, marks the celebration of World Teacher's Day, sponsored by UNESCO and its partners, International Labour Organization, United Nations Development Program, UNICEF, and Education International. This year's theme, "A Call for Teachers," emphasizes the need for all learners around the world to have a quality education. Students must develop strategies and utilize appropriate tools to become globally-minded citizens and meet the challenges of a worldwide economy. In order to do so, a force of well-educated and quality teachers is needed. UNESCO is focusing on these issues today to eradicate the barriers to a quality education for all as it celebrates World Teacher's Day. 

As civic-minded individuals, we must be aware of the challenges to education in other parts of the world. Here on Long Island, with resources available, teachers continually assist students to become ardent learners who notice, wonder, and discover; but there are teachers in other parts of the world who do not have adequate resources and materials to support the call to educate. Likewise, there are regions where teaching and learning are luxuries; in the impoverished village of Masese in Uganda there was no educational system. Eating, going to school, and adequate clothing to wear were among the luxuries not afforded to the Masese people. Through the humanitarian efforts of local Rockville Centre residents, the Garrity and Silon families, a school has been established and training provided for the teachers. Ongoing endeavors have supported the growth of the school from a population of 40 student to 300 and a cottage industry of paper bead making for the women. With these stepping stone efforts, the quality of life and better educational opportunities now exist and continue to grow. 

Were it not for the sustainable humanitarian efforts of world-wide organizations such as H.E.L.P. and the grassroots' efforts of dedicated individuals, issues of poverty and its impact on education would not be addressed. The call for quality education on a world-wide scale is an important one. Children around the globe need equal access to education and their teachers need adequate training to meet the demands of today's rapidly changing world. Let's celebrate teaching and learning today as we salute the global teaching profession who are the guides and the backbone of the educational system. 

Happy World Teacher's Day to All those who Inspire and Impact Learning Every Day!   

Time to Pause

Do you ever feel inundated by the endless to do tasks or the piles of mail? Is your desk full of mounds of never ending items to read, sort, and file? Sometimes, we need to step back and take a breather from the work we do. As I was reading tweets recently, I came across a thought that needed my immediate response. What I call pausing time was mentioned as a leave of absence. My reply was:

Leaves of absence are a necessary part of the process of growing as educators because it gives you breathing time - time to absorb what is around you - time to linger on conversations and reflect on where you are going - time to ponder the bigger picture. We all need time to step back and reflect. 

When information overloads your circuits, it is time for a temporary leave of absence. I am sure that you will be refreshed and ready to chat, ponder, and reflect when you come back to your tasks at hand. Carve out pausing time to allow for self-assessment. Don't delay.

Of course, I have been thinking that for months but what happens to the paperwork that still keeps piling up. Who takes care of that during pausing time?  Help! 

Autumn, A Time of Transitions

Photo of Dolly Sods Wildnerness in West Virginia taken by Devin Varsalona Harntett, September 2013

Each year, the season of autumn provides a fresh lens for a hurried world. It quietly walks in, draping and transforming landscapes in seasonal splendor. For those with an appreciation for change, Autumn offers a reflective window on life.  As it boldly states its charge to redesign environments, it allows for brief interludes of quietude. During these times, we see, hear, and view movements of nature with refreshed awareness. We witness subtle changes occurring. With each alteration of nature, Autumn moves reflective observers closer to grasping the magnitude of the moment. People pause in awe of the bounty the season brings. Minds are opened to new noticings and wonders. Thoughts are reframed from the inside out. Autumn nods in response, showcasing itself as a season of transitions. 

While Autumn is often referred to fall, it is not the reality of leaves descending that one ponders. It is the graceful movements and scenic landscapes that are captured by Autumn's lens. The season transcends the act of falling to become a backdrop for transitions. Being nature's change agent, it brings new possibilities to a world ready for color. Teachers embrace Autumn each year, as they transform their literacy spaces into visually-engaging environments. They, as change agents of the educational world, transition students from summer landscapes to autumnal learning laboratories where Common Core standards and shifts are evident in daily instructional practices and lessons. 

As Autumn days move on, nature turns its attention to seasonal changes while practitioners shift their focus to long term learning targets that impact instruction and achievement. Shifts regularly occur in both the world of nature and the educational world. October bursts with the colors of the season, as does the classroom. Sounds of the season enter school doors. From feet scuffling through crumply leaves to luscious bites of crunchy apples, Autumn speaks. From trees ablaze with color to classrooms alive with seasonal sights and decorations, Autumn signifies change. From Indian summer days to cooling breezes, Autumn asks observers to take note of their changing surroundings while teachers do likewise in the classroom. Utilizing transitions, teachers lead students to explore possibilities in collaborative environments. In turn, students observe, pair share, and wonder where their new learning can take them. It is through life's transitions that change is embraced and growth emerges. 

Autumn is a time for transitions. It asks that you be observant of your surroundings that change to brilliant colors of burnt sienna, goldenrod, chestnut, and maize. As you breathe in the fresh Autumn air allow the season to be your guide to rethink and redesign your spaces. Let go of the hurried pace, slow down, and embrace the transitions that lead to new travels as a life learner.

STAY INFORMED - STAY CONNECTED

For the past decade, I have championed the cause of building reflective communities and collaborative conversations as vehicles to impact teaching and learning. So, it would follow that even in retirement from public education I would continue this initiative as I consult with teachers. Over the past decade, I have seen a change in connected environments and due to the power of Twitter my mind has been opened to additional avenues for staying informed and staying connected. Without leaving my home, I can converse with like-minded educators across the states who have a unified purpose - impacting teaching and learning on a daily basis. I am amazed at the number of committed educators I have been introduced to through Twitter, a real-time information network. Each week, I can choose from a variety of PLNs to delve deep into topics such as leadership, vision, back to school night, instructional practices, read alouds, close readings, and teaching and learning.  I have applauded committed individuals who spend time outside of work engaging in relevant, thought-provoking conversations on powerful PLNs, such as #satchat, #ideachat, #nyedchat. Stimulating, engaging, exchanges interjected at a quick pace, push my thinking. Where could I have as many conversations that champion creativity, innovation, and reflection, if it were not for connected environments?  In addition, embedded in Twitter messages I find links to professional blogs, websites, and events. With these avenues I can make new connections and further my growth as an educator. 

As September turns into October, stay connected and become informed about relevant issues in education. Join veteran and novice educators across the globe as "Helping Educators Thrive in a Connected World" becomes a focus during Connected Educator Month. For those attending the first ELA Coordinator Network on September 30, 2013 that connects State Ed officials with Long Island educators, live connections will be encouraged through the use of the Twitter hashtag, #elanetwork. This is an opportunity to tweet pertinent information to those in the conference room and those not able to attend. In addition, during Connected Educator Month, you may find it interesting to blog with your colleagues, connect with your district PLN, such as Reflective Pathway, or join a face to face professional development group. With each new conversation you can deepen and further your professional learning. Being informed and staying connected are practices worth investing in for these may lead you to further collaboration and improved instructional practices.

If you would like Twitter Tips, go to http://partyaficionado.com/2011/05/29/how-to-use-twitter-infographic/.
If you would like an inforgraphic that summarizes Twitter for teachers, go to http://www.teachthought.com/social-media/infographic-summarizes-twitter-teachers/.

Leadership Moving Learning Communities Forward

Yesterday, #satchat's engaging conversation on Twitter was buzzing with viewpoints on vision and the role of educational leaders. Participants from across the states shared ideas, exchanged comments, and posted links to their blogs to enhance the dialogue. During a fast-paced, one hour time frame, the PLN once again brought the value of a shared network of committed collaborators to educators around the country.  

Vision is not static. It guides leaders on their journeys. It is the lens needed by all stakeholders to strategically impact a learning community. In a world of constant information and flux, vision is the commitment to the development of a culture of learning and achievement despite challenges. Without vision, organizations cannot move forward affecting teaching and learning in a positive way. 

To those principled, flexible, educational leaders who build communities of trust and collaboration during trying times, I dedicate these thoughts.

Educational leaders are principle-centered travelers on a journey of professional growth

Who gracefully embrace and affect change.

They are visionaries with souls, creative problem solvers,

Carefully creating trusting relationships through team building and shared vision.

Educational leaders are learners and transferors of knowledge

Who assess, apply, and move forward on the road to instructional change with innovative ideas and tools,

Bringing passion and engagement to the forefront of learning.

As communicators and promoters of teaching and learning, 
Educational leaders daily reflect, empower others to achieve, and propel communities forward,

Guiding staff to delve deeply into rich instructional practices.

Educational leaders are the champions, the guides, the mentors, and the doers
Who push their thinking to affect continuous growth in staff and students.
Courageously, they collaborate, persevere, and adapt to situations despite difficulties

As they bring about positive change in teaching and learning.



For those interested in informing your learning life, join in on the Satchat talks on Saturday mornings at 7:30 am on Twitter, #satchat. I am sure you will be as pleased with the conversations as I have been. 

Comments are welcomed.