I want a bumper sticker for my computer and a badge for my blog that says, “I am not a digital native, but I got here as soon as I could.” I think I’ll make one!
Part I: The Present.
At the E21 “NIng in the New Year” meeting on Thursday evening someone asked me how I know all I know. I blithely said that I like to play. That statement was not the entire truth. I didn’t come to the E21 Scholars Academy cold. I’ve been headed this direction for a long time, but I need to give credit to the people who got me here.
Initially I joined the Houston Independent School District (HISD) Teacher Leadership eLearning Cohort this last fall. In 2007 I joined, and have continued until the present, as a member of the Action Research Cohort. The facilitators/leaders of the Teacher Leadership Program have given me a safe space to experiment, information to process and every kind of support that they can. They continue to do so. I owe them big time, as a good friend of mine would put it.
If it had not been for the Teacher Leadership Program of HISD’s Professional Development Services I probably would never have signed up with E21. The guidance that I’ve received from Teacher Leadership made me hungry for more time, information and companionship on this technological journey that I’ve chosen. The E21 Academy was the perfect complement to what I had already been doing. Much of what I’ve been able to share is due to what I’ve learned from the Teacher Leadership Cohort.
The main reason that I signed up for any of this is the companionship on the road to the future. In a world that can be filled with Luddites and technological neanderthals, I found that here in HISD there are some likeminded souls. They are scattered about but you can tell them when you find them. Their eyes light up at the opportunity to learn more about this future world that we are heading for at breakneck speed. They’re enthusiastic no matter how many years they have in education. They share ideas. They’re not afraid. Finally, they’re a joy to interact with whether face to face, in a virtual meeting or via e-mail. I include all my companions on the journey, in Teacher Leadership and E21or friends in cyberspace, in this group. Without HISD’s support of professional development programs I don’t know how far I would have gotten so far.
Next in line for credit are all the administrators that have given me the support and backing to get here. Mr. V., in particular, was a huge help to me. He stands in a long line of administrators who have allowed me to develop my interests to the benefit of my students. When I, an elementary art teacher, wanted to sign up for some seemingly unconnected activities, he listened to me and approved. Because of him and the Fine Arts Capitol Allocations, I have wonderful equipment in my classroom. He gave me the equipment that I need and through his approval he gave me access to expertise, information and time to pursue my 21st century development. He allowed me the opportunity to go to the National Art Education Association (NAEA) convention where I was able to meet with and attend sessions with the likes of Tricia Fuglestad http://www.sd25.org/~TFuglestad/VisualArt/index.html and Craig Rowland founder of Art Education 2.0 http://arted20.ning.com/.
I have been blessed. You probably know the saying, “When the student is ready, the teacher will appear.” I keep my eyes and ears open waiting for my next teacher.
