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Hitting 40 two years ago set off a chain reaction of growth and reflection that is taking me to unknown places. I’m not even sure yet where I’m heading, and I strive daily to remain OK with the not knowing.
As an educator, I’m the one at the front of the room, the expert imparting my knowledge, so it’s hard not having an end goal in mind.
So I’m opening doors. I’m trying new things, learning new skills, making connections, in hopes of narrowing down all of the things that I’m passionate about and finding out what I’m meant to be doing. Teaching. Coaching. Leadership. I don’t know where it will take me but I take comfort in remembering that Life is a Journey and in knowing that I’m on the path. @adamcaplan @mneale
Kelly – it was great to meet you today! Well done getting your first blog post up already!
I am so looking forward to working with you and joining you on your learning journey this year. See you in November!
Jen
Hi Jen,
I think that what excites me most about Cohort21 is the opportunity to make connections with others who are as excited about education, and about life, as I am. I look forward to working with you, too!
Welcome aboard @kcarlson! So glad to meet you yesterday. As someone who just turned 40 as well I can totally relate to where your head is at. Fortunately you have found a community that will help you along this journey and open up new ideas and opportunities as you enter this next chapter of your career. @gnichols
Hi Justin,
Within minutes of getting started yesterday, I could actually feel the immense energy and positivity in the room, especially from you and Garth and the other facilitators and moderators, who have lived this journey before us.
Thank you for your encouragement and support; I am so looking forward to this year!
Hi Kelly,
One way through which I grow as a practitioner is through challenging my own understandings and world view. A strategy to challenge your own thinking is through How Might We questions. Try reviewing this blog and constructing some questions…for example:
1) How might I learn more about myself through others?
2) How might teaching differently teach me more about myself
3) How might I change my own understanding of “expertise” or how I am imparting it to others?
I’m excited to be on this journey with you, and it was great connecting with you at our first F2F!
garth.
Hi Garth,
I really love what you said about the “language of possibility” and posing questions beginning with “How might I/we… ?” I am reading “Mindset” by Dr. Carol S. Dweck and my current question is “How might I encourage and help to develop a growth mindset in my girls, in the context of a French Second Language class?” I started by creating a post-test reflection in which I tried to use very specific language that encourages learning, mistakes, and self-reflection. I even used “How might I…?” questioning to the girls to get them started. Thanks for this!
Hey Kelly,
I loved your questions and curiosity in the Diigo carousel! I think you’re definitely on a path and part of the excitement is seeing where that path will lead you. Don’t be afraid to bushwhack once in a while, because that’s where the real magic happens!
I’m looking forward to seeing where your path will lead! You’re surrounded by great #cohort21 alum too – so be sure to lean on them – @adamcaplan & @lmustard are simply some of the best!
Great attitude at the start of Cohort21, Kelly! What I love about the C21 experience is how these new skills and connections will open up possibilities you never would have thought of! I look forward to hearing about your journey as the year(s) progress!