Training for life

I'm the kind of person who loves a checklist.  I know, kind of "geeky"!

The stroking off of tasks and accomplishments makes my day feel complete and proud of the work I've accomplished. 

Just over a year and a half ago, I ran my first half marathon.  

STWM 2012

The thrill of working through each training day and following the advice of my handy, dandy, built in coach, Hal Higdon was not only exactly the type of structure I thrive on, but the plan of attack that helped me reach my goal.

Last week I had the privilege of being apart of the Ministry of Ontario's Teacher Learning & Leadership Program (TLLP).  The two and a half day conference, "Leadership Skills for Classroom Teachers"  is second to none.  The agenda is jam packed with meaningful professional development, an all star cast of presenters, a focus on highlighting real Ontario teachers who have already traveled along the path of a TLLP (Roland, Derrick, Natalie, Daniela, Cathy and ME!) and provides participants chunks of time to complete a series of focused tasks.  

This is my kind of pd.

One of the presenters that I took a lot from was Susan Perry.  I have heard Susan speak at this session a year prior and two years prior to that.  Finally, though, her message that resonated with me this time was that, "attaining a goal is like running a marathon ~ finishers medal and all!"

Most of us don't have the talent to just up and start running and BAM...

Rather, most of us start out by perhaps completing a Coach-to-5K program.  We purchase running gear.  Run a few 5K races in our local area.  Start to talk about running...  And so on and so forth.

Essentially, each one of us will need to make a plan, set realistic time lines, goals, and revamp based on our own personal needs.  

The best part though...?  If we stick with it (and it will be hard to do) our goal is achievable.  

I think this type of message is one that we all need to hear.  

Not specific for a group of teacher leaders.  

Not specific for someone who wants to run a marathon.  

And not specific for someone who now wants to complete her first triathlon!  (Seriously... that last one is me!)

Setting goals, having a plan of attack and being able to recalculate when you take a wrong turn or an unexpected road block is really being ready to train for life.

When I first started running, my coach Dawn Linklater told me not to look down at the immediate path in front of me.  (She assured me I wouldn't fall in a pot hole!)  Rather, my eyes, she advised should be slightly focused straight ahead, in the direction one wants to travel.  

So, if I could combine Dawn and Susan's powerful messages here for you, I would ask,

Set a goal.  Make a plan.  Look up and see the direction you want to move in.

Then,

Leave me a message or a comment below.  I'd love to know what you have your eyes focused on in the near and not-so-near future.

Leslie

TLLP #2 Digital Learning From The Cart

My experience with the Ontario Ministry of Education's Teacher Learning and Leadership Program (TLLP) has been second to none!  You really can't get this type of personal professional development anywhere else!  And if you can... tell me where, because I want in!

Not familiar with the acronym TLLP?  Now really sure what that means?  I find it really amazing that their are a lot of people in the education field with no idea about this awesome opportunity.

One one hand I feel like I shouldn't dare to tell a soul about this opportunity (SHHHHHHHH!!!! DON'T TELL ANYONE!!) ...... but on the other hand, I feel like a girl who should be standing on a mountain top shouting out the good news!

  A TLLP is a project-based activity for selected experienced teachers whose choice of career is the classroom. It is intended to create opportunities for experienced teachers to enhance their professionalism and skills, extend their learning and share their expertise with others for the broader benefit of Ontario’s students. Teachers can apply, as individuals or as a group, to undertake a project. The program has three goals:

1. Support Teacher Professional Learning; 
2. Foster Teacher Leadership; and 
3. Facilitate the sharing of exemplary practices with others for the broader benefit of Ontario's students.

TLLP#2

As the title of this page notes, I'm involved in my second TLLP project with the Ministry of Education.  (Although, if you'd like to know more about my first TLLP project, "Apps in the Class: Teaching and Learning with iPads" click the hyperlink.)  It is both a real honour and a whole lot of scary!  For starters, the honour is that first and foremost my administration believes in me.  Your principal needs to be on board with the project and, for lack of a better way to put it, be on your side.  When he or she signs the dotted line, they are allowing you the opportunity to try something new.

Edugains

They are saying that they 'have faith' in your abilities, your plan, and even your success and failure.  (Because let's face it, everything in the education world doesn't always work the first, second, third, or nineteenth time we do something!)

Next, the honour and scariness continues as you move your proposal to the board level.  My heart literally beats in my head waiting to hear back from the board about whether they see the merit in my project.  Have I written the proposal well enough that they can see my vision, my path, and are they ready to get into the car with me and come along for the ride?  Sometimes I wish there was another part of the application, like the part where they could see into my heart about why I want to do this project so badly.  

I feel like I've won the lottery when you get the message a whole month or so later after submission that, by George, they do see my vision!  They too think this learning goal has the ability to be successful.  Yes, it does help to meet my school and boards goals, and yes, it does align with the position the board is steering in.  

The final bit of emotion comes when February hits.  For many people in Ontario, February is a month filled with positive emotions: the winter is rounding it's way out, chocolate, candy, and the theme of love is splattered everywhere.  What's not to love about February?  

THE  

You see, February is 'THE MONTH' when TLLP applicants (that's me!) find out whether they are in or out for the following school year.  I kind of place it in the same category as waiting to hear if your "accepted to university" kind of feeling.  Hoping and knowing that their are so many awesome educators and people in education that are applying for this opportunity across the province of Ontario.  In the last few years, the number of TLLP projects has grown.  Through the use of social media, voices from past TLLP participants, and key educational players, like Ann Lieberman and Andy Hargreaves, I'm so happy it has. 

I was blessed this year.  Blessed with the successful opportunity of having "a-go at it!"  Working my way through a project that is not going to only benefit me, my students, but also, (here's hoping) my fellow educators who are in a similar position.  

You see, for me, it's not just about getting to work with cool tools and new fangled gadgets (although, that is a fantastic PLUS).  

For me it's not about attending amazing PD conferences (ECOO, OPHEA, CODE), workshops (DancePl3y, MindsOnMedia)  and meeting a whole slew of awesome people in education along the way.  

For me, it really does come down to how can I do more diligence to my students?  How can I bring them opportunities to learn, create, and flush things about without this opportunity?  I need this project just as much as they do!