State of the Union Address and other ramblings

This is the time of year when hopefully many of us take time to reflect on a year’s work. Many of us don’t see our work in these increments but certainly we’d like our students to reflect.

I’m proud of the fact that my weblog is my constant reflection. That said, here are a few things I think are highlights for me this year:

• completing my Masters
• introducing many to Read/Write technologies
• presenting with the Posse
• breakfast with Stephen Downes
• coffee with David Warlick
• supper with Wes Fryer, Will Richardson, Tim Wilson and Steve Dembo
• hosting an Open Conference
• sharing the new stories
• publishing in a real print magazine (Why is that such a big deal? I publish everyday to likely as many as read that article!)
• being involved in shaping a new school division

With regards the new division, it has created many challenges, frustrations and discoveries. One thing I’ve enjoyed is great teamwork and collaboration with the 4 other colleagues I work with. 2 of them are changing positions and our new curriculum team of 5 began some initial planning the last few days. Already we’ve engaged in some great discussion about change, the future and making a real difference in the lives of teachers and students.

I’ve been cautioned by one of my colleagues by pushing teachers away from our intended purposes