That’s a wrap on becoming Cohort21!

That’s a wrap on becoming Cohort21! is a reference to an MTV show I used to love called “Becoming” where an average person could re-make a music video and become their favourite pop singer. In a way, I could compare my experience with Cohort21 to this concept, as I have been wearing the hat at each F2F of an innovator, thinker and dreamer until I think I have actually become those things.

I knew that failure to write my final blog post/action plan reflection on time would result in a much more profound writing since I was able to refresh my memory of all the learning that has happened over the year by speaking with my Cohort colleagues today. The “speed dating” activity this morning really brought to light some of the amazing things this group of people are capable of and have accomplished despite the constant daily pressures we all experience at our schools.

If there is one take away I have from this experience it would be that what makes truly effective teachers, and truly progressive schools, is the openness and possibility for change. To realize that failure is necessary, teachers are human, and regardless of the (sometimes unrealistic) pressures we have self-inflicted on ourselves to reach ambitious goals, we are always trying new things. As long as I, as a teacher, and also as a person, commit to accepting my faults and working on ways to make things better/easier/deeper the next time, I will bring goodness into my school and the lives of others.

It’s funny how working on challenges with such passionate educators has helped me grow in my personal life as well as my professional life. I think this year I have developed more empathy, more flexibility and more perspective on work and relationships than ever before.

I am sad to be ending the Cohort21 journey, but I know that the values shared amongst everyone here will be brought with me to my next opportunities and my next challenges. I am eager to take on some leadership of my own by talking to admin to help develop more effective PD in my school. Design-thinking principles should be used to address challenges in every school!

I feel incredibly lucky to have spent time with forward-thinking educators this year and learn from every person in the cohort. Thank you to all the coaches for being so motivating and supportive and to @gnichols and @jmedved for being our fearless leaders!

2 thoughts on “That’s a wrap on becoming Cohort21!

  1. So glad to have you this year, Mackenzie! Keep blogging as you go forward – I would love to hear more about how your new perspective plays out in the future!

  2. Thank you for this wonderful reflection @mneale! Please remember that your “Cohort 21 journey” is never over as long as you continue being those things that you’ve become over the year!

    My favourite thing that you said here: “If there is one take away I have from this experience it would be that what makes truly effective teachers, and truly progressive schools, is the openness and possibility for change.” I couldn’t agree more. It is only when we believe that we’ve arrived that we fail!

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