Brandy Wales

As a teacher and leader, it is important to me that I maintain a growth mindset and strive to be a lifelong learner. By leaning into change with a growth mindset, I will expand the tools in my teaching toolbox. By being a risk-taker and learning from my failures, I will build resilience and better my practice. And by sharing the momentum of learning with others, I will inspire their innovation while I too learn alongside my colleagues. To prepare lifelong learning, follow the below recipe.

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Recipe for Lifelong Learning

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Ingredients:

 

• 1 part Embrace Change

• Equal parts Take Risks and Accept Failure

• 2 parts Share the Momentum

 

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Embrace Change

 

The only thing that is certain about the future is that change is inevitable. In order to prepare students for a future we are unsure of, it is important for teachers to embrace change. One way I embrace change is by committing to my own professional growth through the expansion of my modalities for learning. I keep abreast of what is new and next through the use of Twitter and Pinterest, attendance at noteworthy conferences, networking with my professional learning network, and by reading blogs and educational texts. All of this supports my continued professional growth and encourages me to stay excited about change.

 

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Take Risks & Accept Failure

 

Another way I continue learning is by taking risks and seeing failures as opportunities for growth. Last year, I took a big risk by leaving the classroom and becoming a computer science teacher/technology integration specialist. In this dual role, I have faced many challenges and taken many risks. Each day has provided me with multiple opportunities to reflect on what is working and what needs changed next time. By maintaining an acceptance of the day-to-day failures and learning from them, I will continue to grow my confidence and resilience.

 

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Share the Momentum

 

It is important to share teaching and learning momentum with others. Robert A. Heinlein said, “When one teaches, two learn.” As someone who truly learns by teaching, to me there could not be truer words spoken.

 

From the age of seven, I knew I wanted to be a teacher. From the day I taught my sister how to tie her shoes, my path to becoming a teacher was a direct route, never altering off course. Although I may not have seen it at the time, with each person I taught, I learned something valuable that brought me to where I am today. I refined my communication skills by teaching waitresses how to serve in a multitude of high-end restaurants. I learned the importance of designing clear procedures and processes when coaching student teachers on best teaching practice. And I discovered the art of truly listening while supporting educators with technology integration in their own curriculum. As I continue to learn and grow, I want to expand beyond the walls of my school.

 

As a technology integration specialist, I spend my days researching, designing, and supporting my colleagues in implementing educational technology across their curriculum. Moving forward, I want share my expertise by presenting at conferences. As a seeker of regular professional development myself, I feel ready to learn alongside my colleagues by sharing my knowledge and experiences with others. To begin this journey, I have applied to present at the 2017 ISACS (Independent School Association of the Central States) Annual Conference. For this conference, my colleague and I hope to co-teach a workshop on implementing a K-12 computer science framework by using online tools.

 

In addition to presenting at conferences, I want to receive the training and certification necessary to become a Google for Education Certified Innovator. As someone who is passionate about designing technology-rich curriculum in learner-centered environments, I hope to be selected as an ambassador to support innovation. As a Google for Education Certified Innovator, I will empower educators and students to cultivate a culture of innovation in their classrooms, schools, and districts. Those accepted to this pool of talented educators will receive mentorship from other innovators, serve in focus groups, attend collaboration events, and more. In order to apply for this elite certification, I will need to to first take the Advanced Course and Google Certified Educator Level 2 course, making the learning opportunities endless.

 

Directions:

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To prepare lifelong learning, combine all ingredients throughout the entirety of your career, continually reflecting on and refining the recipe. Serve with a side of humility and sense of humor.

 

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By embracing change, I will grow my repertoire of teaching strategies. By taking risks and accepting failure, I will become a more experienced and resilient teacher. And by sharing what I learn with others, I will inspire others to be innovative. Combined, this recipe will support me in maintaining a growth mindset and remaining a  lifelong learner.