Lead By Example

We know in education that modelling for our students is a key way to support their understanding, co-create expectations, and is all around a good practice.

This summer of 2021, I finally had the chance to read George Couros' book The Innovator's Mindset that was given to me by my amazing Assistant Principal. What a fantastic read! Nothing in his book was revolutionary from what I had heard before, but either the timing was perfect or his delivery of information was spot on (I imagine it was a perfect blend of the two) and I was inspired. In his book, he shares how innovation is a "new and better way of thinking". Part of leading with an innovator's mindset is to be networked and to share. Sharing our learning, especially in the format of a blog or online portfolio forces us to reflect, consolidate, critically think, and to write. All these skills are what we want from our students, and what a great way to model this for them (even if they never see the blog!).

In my undergraduate degree for education, I was introduced to setting up a blog for education as well as a professional Twitter account. I loved them! My classmates were avid audience members and every single hour of classes and practicums was filled with learning that I wanted to share. Once I graduated and became a full-time educator, the blog and tweets fell to the wayside as I learned what all new teachers learn - it is hard to stay afloat.

Loop back around to spring 2020 - COVID has shut down our schools and any hope of extracurricular lives. My friend and educator, Natalie Vardabasso of #EduCrush podcast, sparked a desire to re-engage with Twitter and I flung myself wholeheartedly into posts, chats, and conversations!

Returning to the classroom in September with all the new restrictions and regulations, alongside outbreaks and more lockdowns, felt like first year teaching all over again. I reviewed my priorities and finite energy, and my Twitter upkeep did not make the cut.

So why am I now (re)starting an education blog? Couros reminded me of the joy I felt in sharing and connecting with others. His words helped me recognize that an online presence doesn't have to be all or nothing - it is the process and skill-sharpening that are the important parts of this. My goal in getting my M.Ed. is to work with teachers - but that does not mean I have to wait until I am hired into a specific position to do that. If anything, I know I appreciate learning from educators who are sharing their experiences in the classroom! Nothing like the camaraderie of similarity.

So let's just see where this goes. No hard and fast plan of a posting schedule. No expectation of a readership. Just grace and joy in the process and learning.

- Becca Bouchard