33 months ago I professed how 1,000 Tweets had changed the way I learned and the way I taught. 9,000 tweets later, a lot has changed...but as I reflect this week on the opportunities I feel so thankful to have, I am in awe of a different 1,000.
This list of educators from a state I am so proud to be a part of shows a staggering amount of talent, passion, innovation and grit. It’s a giant community full of tiny individual actions reaching toward big dreams. These teachers are creating a massive swell of energy that is sweeping through schools from the shores of Lake Michigan to the streets of The D.
There's Something Happening Here
A vibrant weekly Twitter chat has become an inclusive and recognized community where collaboration, growth and real stories are shared both online and face-to-face
Education and community organizations have built networks of support to ensure opportunities for every child and are doing a fantastic job of sharing the stories of success
A project-based learning school becomes an annual host for two days of conversations that debunk the tradition conference model
Students are increasingly getting the opportunity to share their passion and voice and events like this and this
Entire school communities are given permission to Innovate Wildly
The state Dept. of Education has recognized the importance of and is working on a big push for Personalized Learning with help from many innovative classroom teachers
A group exists solely to spread opportunities for creative educational opportunities and puts on student-centric events to showcase their stories
A grassroots tribe of self-proclaimed literacy nerds descend from all over the country on a small Michigan town each summer for a one-of-a-kind event powered by an enormous social media presence
We’re all within driving distance from one of the most incredible learning spaces in the country (and the company that helped make it happen)
Not happy with the status quo for professional conferences, one educator created an epic 3 day event that has raised the bar for how teachers can learn together while having fun and being inspired
Education and community organizations have built networks of support to ensure opportunities for every child and are doing a fantastic job of sharing the stories of success
A project-based learning school becomes an annual host for two days of conversations that debunk the tradition conference model
Students are increasingly getting the opportunity to share their passion and voice and events like this and this
Entire school communities are given permission to Innovate Wildly
The state Dept. of Education has recognized the importance of and is working on a big push for Personalized Learning with help from many innovative classroom teachers
A group exists solely to spread opportunities for creative educational opportunities and puts on student-centric events to showcase their stories
A grassroots tribe of self-proclaimed literacy nerds descend from all over the country on a small Michigan town each summer for a one-of-a-kind event powered by an enormous social media presence
We’re all within driving distance from one of the most incredible learning spaces in the country (and the company that helped make it happen)
Not happy with the status quo for professional conferences, one educator created an epic 3 day event that has raised the bar for how teachers can learn together while having fun and being inspired
There is so much innovation happening that an entire conference has sprung up to share what these Michigan schools are doing
Without waiting for permission, educators are binding together to build networking and learning opportunities to support their classrooms
A radio show and podcast is dedicated to sharing the stories of children from low-income families in Michigan through high quality journalism
One teacher is spreading the impact of project-based learning around the globe through his speaking
Educators from every region of the state are collaborating on projects that create new professional development opportunities and save our schools millions of dollars
Not a month goes by where teachers somewhere in the state gather on a Saturday to share and connect
One of the largest and most respected edtech conferences in the country brings thousands together in Grand Rapids or Detroit each spring
A global discussion and sharing project centered on the importance of classroom design is hosted by two Michigan educators
One passionate teacher partnered with a student to publish a powerful book that tells a local story and gives others the tools to bring more empathy to their community
I could go on. Many more deserve to be mentioned and others I simply haven't discovered yet. So many individual teachers, schoolwide projects, organizations and innovative leaders that are doing amazing things. There are no excuses for being uninspired. We are surrounded by ideas, projects, lessons, conversations, tools, articles, performances, videos and even books created by our statewide colleagues. There is no reason for not being excited about education in Michigan right now. It’s time to rise above (and leave behind) the edu-garbage so we can spend our time on what matters – creating the Eventful opportunities, experiences and environments that will help kids become engaged lifelong learners and positive contributors to society.
Without waiting for permission, educators are binding together to build networking and learning opportunities to support their classrooms
A radio show and podcast is dedicated to sharing the stories of children from low-income families in Michigan through high quality journalism
One teacher is spreading the impact of project-based learning around the globe through his speaking
Educators from every region of the state are collaborating on projects that create new professional development opportunities and save our schools millions of dollars
Not a month goes by where teachers somewhere in the state gather on a Saturday to share and connect
One of the largest and most respected edtech conferences in the country brings thousands together in Grand Rapids or Detroit each spring
A global discussion and sharing project centered on the importance of classroom design is hosted by two Michigan educators
One passionate teacher partnered with a student to publish a powerful book that tells a local story and gives others the tools to bring more empathy to their community
I could go on. Many more deserve to be mentioned and others I simply haven't discovered yet. So many individual teachers, schoolwide projects, organizations and innovative leaders that are doing amazing things. There are no excuses for being uninspired. We are surrounded by ideas, projects, lessons, conversations, tools, articles, performances, videos and even books created by our statewide colleagues. There is no reason for not being excited about education in Michigan right now. It’s time to rise above (and leave behind) the edu-garbage so we can spend our time on what matters – creating the Eventful opportunities, experiences and environments that will help kids become engaged lifelong learners and positive contributors to society.
The Problem?
The connections are being made. Action is being taken. A positive SHIFT in the school experience is happening for our students. But how do we tie it all together? How can we keep up with it all? How can we sustain innovation?
I believe that a central hub is needed that brings together the people, groups, events and innovative educational resources in our state. And I’m not the only one. Many of us have been waiting for an organization to step up to create something like that, but it seems as though if we really want to see it happen, we might have to build it ourselves.
If you are interested in joining forces to create something that can bring it all together, please reach out! More importantly, you, your school, your group...you all have something to contribute. You are doing amazing things and everyone should have access to that story. We should all be able to find each other. I believe that when the opportunity finally shows it’s face, these 1,000 Michigan educators will be the center of the SHIFT. They have already chosen to connect. To learn out loud. To share their stories in 140 character bits. Imagine what will happen when those voices become even more in sync.
I believe that a central hub is needed that brings together the people, groups, events and innovative educational resources in our state. And I’m not the only one. Many of us have been waiting for an organization to step up to create something like that, but it seems as though if we really want to see it happen, we might have to build it ourselves.
If you are interested in joining forces to create something that can bring it all together, please reach out! More importantly, you, your school, your group...you all have something to contribute. You are doing amazing things and everyone should have access to that story. We should all be able to find each other. I believe that when the opportunity finally shows it’s face, these 1,000 Michigan educators will be the center of the SHIFT. They have already chosen to connect. To learn out loud. To share their stories in 140 character bits. Imagine what will happen when those voices become even more in sync.
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