I'm still Reaching

I was recently given a task by an administrator to create a Google Form. I was to include a simple description of a program we currently have and ask teachers to write how it should be updated with Common Core Standards. After considering the data flow and the amount of teachers who would be responding, I chose to create a more advanced Form. This simple task became my big project for my mid-winter recess break.

I ended up creating an eight page form with drop down menus (to eliminate the need for teacher data entry). On the bottom of each page I included a text box for comments or suggestions and made sure it was not required for them to input there.

Each page of my form became a discipline area. I realized the sheet that reflected the answers also needed to be altered in order for the data to be sorted and readable. I created tabs along the bottom of the sheet and entered in formulas so that the Master would be untouched but the data from each page of my Form would also be its own Sheet in my Workbook and the tab would be visible along the bottom of my Master. I then color coded each discipline so the color on the master also reflected the color on the separate sheets and the tabs.

I realized I went over and beyond what was expected and I may have even gone too far. I find that I get caught up by the possibilities when working on these projects and want to add all the bells and whistles to illustrate what can be done.

I have shared my creation with the administration and am anxious to receive feedback. I am so happy to have been asked to help; considered to have expertise in Google Apps. I want to produce quality that will be appreciated in hopes that I will be called upon again.

I truly enjoy the challenge of being able to take a "blank" slate and alter its settings and content to meet the needs of the educational institution that I work for. I hope this is the beginning of many such projects.

Keep Growing

Anyone who is an educator (or even anyone who has been a student) has seen a teacher burn out. The teacher who is angry, given up, does the bare minimum and is just "coasting" till retirement. I can't imagine that mentality. Yes, I'm only 10 years in to my 30+ year career, but I also can't imagine keeping things stagnant for long enough for it to get boring.

It's hard. I'm a mom of two young kids; one with special needs. I have a house that needs tending to, a husband, and extended family that all demand my time. There will always be somewhere I have to be or something I have to do in my personal life. Even though family comes first, I made a promise when I went in to the field of education. I am not standing in an assembly line in a factory, my 'product' are human beings. These are other people's children; their first priorities. It is my duty as a piece in their educational puzzle to give them the best that I can so they can prepare their future the best they can.

It makes me so angry when I see teachers give up. We may not be doing emergency surgery, but we have direct impact on young lives everyday. We are important and every word, smile, or gesture could make a difference in someone else's life. If a teacher is "coasting" or ready to give up they need to put their own gluttonous behavior aside and get out of the classroom. You can't just collect a check here and have summer off, you are robbing a child of their entitlement.

I loved my job with minimal technology, but the more technology I have available to me the more I get to try out new ways of engaging students. It helps with any dullness to my workload, it lets me be creative. I also love helping to convince those teachers who are skeptical about using new tools and, in some cases, watching their love of teaching become revived.

I just want to Learn!

I would be a full time student if time and money allowed. I want constant stimulation, problem solving, and learning new skills.

I decided to apply for some awards. I am not sure if I will be found to be deserving but it can't hurt to apply. I'm putting myself out there and if I win I will be ecstatic. I want to recognized for my passion and intrinsic motivation to follow that passion. I don't need huge jackpots (although that would be nice), a little recognition or even the ability to attend a prestigious event would be a thrill for me.

So for now, I am writing my bio, demonstrating my dedication, and hoping that the future awaits new and exciting possibilities. I am feeling hopeful.

Aspiring Google Innovator

I received the disappointing news yesterday that I was not selected for the February cohort of Google Innovator. Dealing with mixed emotions about this amazing opportunity, I decided to begin by documenting this journey which will hopefully travel down the road to educational greatness.

I have succeeded great lengths in the last 5 years. I completed my second Master's degree in Curriculum Development and Instructional Technology, I was accepted as a Google for Education Certified Trainer, and now I am always trying to put new and innovative ideas into practice in my school district.

I did not always imagine this is where I would be or what I would be passionate about. It is something that I was introduced to and fell in love with. I found that I gained no greater satisfaction then having an idea about integrating technology in education and then watching it become implemented.

My epiphany happened upon my disappointing email. I want to reapply to be a Google Innovator in March and I have to find a way to show my dedication. I have to create the perfect application. I have document my success and failures; to learn from my experience and become better. Hence, my new blog.