Gratitude

After reading Part II of The Innovator's Mindset, and listening to the YouTube Live session, one word came to mind...gratitude.

In education, it's always easy to discuss what isn’t happening, what needs to improve, and what needs to change, but it is important to also acknowledge what is happening, what is improving and what is changing. Over the past two years, in my role as GATE Specialist, I have had the pleasure of working with GATE teachers and administrators at 23 elementary and middle school sites.  Of course, there are still things to do differently and to improve, but there always will be. What’s important to note are the positive changes that have occurred at many of these sites.

The level of empathy for students and their families has increased and there is a greater focus on relationship building. In order to meet students’ needs, risk-taking is more commonplace and the consistency of reflection has greatly improved. Instruction is becoming personalized, encouraging students to explore, question, think critically, and create as they move from engaged to empowered. Educators are interested in learning, open to networking and connecting with others on both local and global levels, and encouraging their students to do the same. 

Thank you for leading the change. Thank you for being open to making changes at your schools and in your classrooms, for your students. Thank you for allowing me to visit, tweet photos, talk to your students, ask questions, and learn from you. I have so much gratitude and I know your students do, too.