For as long as I can remember, I’ve felt that I have been standing on the edge of the circle looking in as everyone was mingling. Not completely uncomfortable but just not really fitting in. Whatever the reason, I was searching, looking for space where it was okay to be just me.
Eventually, I found my way online and it was here, among the many others of early-adopting educators, that I began to find a sense of community. A place where I could be me. A place where being different was an advantage because, together, you could look at issues and problems from a myriad of angles, sharing and growing together.
It’s from this beginning that eventually I realized that this was my next path – to help and serve educators in growing and learning. It has taken me quite a while to boldly take this next step. I actually have no idea what all the parts will look like or where it will take me but I do know that it allows me to fulfill my passion to serve, support, and help while continuing my own growth and development along the way.
myPDtoday
The idea behind this adventure is “Every day is a PD day” – each day is an opportunity to grow, learn, develop and be better than we were yesterday. If it was that easy, there wouldn’t be the need for career coaches, self-help writers, habit helpers, and all the others who are dedicated to helping people grow, learn, and develop. In this space, teachers have a unique place because of the nature of the work they do and the pressures placed on them by multiple stake-holders.
Part of it comes from my own research into teachers’ use of social media. Conversations that made it clear that there is a space to help and serve teachers to improve and grow. This is especially true right now when it seems the world of education has been turned upside down.
Part of it comes from my own journey with healing from past hurts, dealing with depression and a realization that no matter how much I wanted to, I could not move forward without the help and support of others.
Finally, part comes from my exploration of routines, habits, planning and the need to be creative within a space that often tries to homogenize everything to fit within a system. Where individuality is more a buzzword than a foundational tenet. Where conformity is rewarded while creativity is often misunderstood and, in some cases, punished. Where systematic burden, repression, and racism is mostly ignored or explained away.
Every day is a PD day
Honestly, like most adventures that begin with an idea, a feeling that this is what needs to be done, I begin this exploration with little more than the desire to serve and support teachers. A belief that all of us can be better today. A belief that we each have gifts and talents to develop and share. And the belief that all teachers are incredibly creative individuals who have so much going on that they don’t often take time for their own continual growth and improvement. I don’t have all the answers but I’m willing to seek out different ways to support and help people grow and learn.
On August 10, 2020, myPDtoday will launch. On that Monday, the different pieces will go live at 10:00 AM CST. I invite people to check things out. Offer up ideas, comments, suggestions.
My mission:
To relentlessly pursue supporting educators to develop creativity and innovation in the classroom through connections, relationships, actions, focus, and effective professional development.
Come join me on this exploration and let me help you.