Musings of a Frustrated Educator

This picture pretty sums up my world the last few months. I have been pretty frustrated with my career. 

Not my students, mind you. I have amazing students! They work hard, they make me laugh, it is a joy to come to school and teach them.

It IS NOT my students. 

It's crazy....this edtech world. I started connecting with other passionate educators around 2008 or 2009. That exploded in 2011 with earning my SMART Exemplary Educator, my Google Certified Teacher (now Certified Innovator), Twitter, presenting at conferences etc. Through these endeavors, I have connected and made friends with some AMAZING educators. Many I talk daily with! I am truly fortunate to know these individuals and call them friends. The push me and help me become better.

And I am better. I am a MUCH better teacher and educator than I was last year. I am leaps and bounds better than I was before edtech became a "thing."

I feel stagnate. Stuck. 

I am teaching a new class this year. Project Lead the Way's Automation and Robotics and that is SUPER fun. But my issues aren't with the lack excitement of doing something new in teaching. I feel as if I am doing something new daily as I have new curriculum, new students, new time frame, and a desire to do something special with it all.

I feel like at this point, I should be beyond teaching. Most of my close educator friends I have known since the beginning of my PLN have moved upward or beyond the classroom. Now, I am not trying to compare myself to them-they are AMAZING and AWESOME in their own right. I just know I am capable of awesome outside the classroom.

And it isn't without me trying to branch out. I have. 

I applied for two separate edtech positions- one in my own district and one at the county level. 

One, maybe I was suited, but like many other positions, there is someone better. I know the individual and couldn't be happier for him or her! The other, however, I received one letter/email saying "Thank you for reaching beyond your expertise." Ummmm what?? I had been giving teacher professional development integrating technology for years for my district and around California at this point. 

Since then, I still give professional development, but more and more around California and closer to home. Plus, the addition of two little ones at home keep me home more often-gladly, of course!

But now what? I have thought about moving districts, perhaps finding a TOSA position, or perhaps earning my Administration Credential so that I can go into curriculum. 

Again, it absolutely isn't who I teach or necessarily what I teach (although, that is another blog post), but where I am professionally.  I think with all the changes with my position, new curriculum and a shorter amount of time to do what I know in my heart my students need....has pushed me over the edge and looking outward and beyond my walls and site. I am drained more and more each day and I am trying to find a way to release the stress and pressure.

Perhaps all I need is to recharge. Reconnect with my fellow educators and find the light. I always feel more inspired and ready to try something new when I get a true pedagogy conversation going. 

I honestly don't know. 

I have been chatting with my husband about it all and he has been nothing but supportive. I am so thankful. 

I am thankful for my hubby, my kids, and my students I teach day in and day out. They truly do make me smile and my students are the ones who push me to pull the best out of them.

And for now, that's enough.

A Thankful November

It is November and all around we see the change of scenery and the "Thankful Challenges" on social media. It is certainly a time to reflect and be thankful.

This year I am thankful for falling into situations.

As I was going to college to get my credential, my dream had always been to teach elementary school. More specifically, second grade. I was even lucky enough to student teach in two lower grades: second and kindergarten! Once my credential was completed, I got a job teaching kindergarten in my dream district. It was a temporary position as it was an overflow class, but I was living the dream! 

Then the year ended. 

And I was jobless. 

Like everyone else at the time, new teachers were looking and applying for jobs. I was hoping to continue my elementary career! I thought I gained amazing experience. I knew how to run a kindergarten class. I was feeling pretty confident. So much so, that I applied only for elementary positions. Why wouldn't I? That is where all my experience came from. 

June came and went. As did July. August was beginning to creep in and I was beginning to panic. So much so that I went back to being a server at a restaurant. 

Needless to say, I was devastated. I was depressed and felt hopeless. I had to open my search to English language arts (ELA) through ninth grade. Thinking, of course, that no one would want a teacher with ZERO upper grade experience. 

Little did I know my whole outlook on teaching and upper grades would change with a simple phone call.

I got a call in August for an interview for a seventh grade ELA position in Oakdale. I thought Sure! I will interview. They won't want me. 

I went to the interview. I was first on their list. Other prospective teachers were there in the waiting room and I looked at them knowing they were better qualified than I was. I literally went into the interview without a care as I knew they wouldn't find what they needed in an ELA teacher.

2:25 came around and my phone rang. It was the principal of Oakdale Junior High (OJHS). The moment I said "Hello" the principal said I was hired and how excited she was that I was joining the OJHS team. She talked about a new hire workshop, when my first day would be, and again, how excited she was I was joining the team. 

I don't remember saying yes to the job.

Without her confidence in me and her excitement, I think I would have collapsed that first year. I actually cried the first two weeks teaching that first year. I truly hated my job. I was miserable. But I didn't quit. I didn't leave after the first year. I felt I had something to prove within myself.

My second year as a seventh grade ELA teacher brought challenges, but day by day I truly fell in love with English and the age group! I understood the curriculum better. I had colleagues I could collaborate and share with. But most of all, I truly adored my students. They were fun, creative, silly, and bright! 

Since that year, I have been driven to get better and mix it up each year. I have broadened my education and knowledge and shown what I had learned with students and colleagues alike. I became a SMART Exemplary Educator and a Google Certified Teacher (now Google Certified Innovator) and Teacher of the Year in my county. I don't know if that would have happened had I stayed elementary. I would like to think so, but who knows!

Falling into situations continue to benefit me. I fell into teaching eighth grade. I fell into the educational side of Twitter. And I hope that more "falling" continues. 

As they say: 

Flipclass Flash blog-Finding Community

Tonight's Flipclass Twitter chat is on the importance of an educational community. 

Community can be found in many places. Before I found Twitter, my educational community were those I have worked with or friends that became teachers. 

This is fine and dandy, but once I discovered Twitter....the educational community excited me. It light a fire within me that I hadn't felt in some time. There were new ideas, books, thought, and pedagogy out there!

Educators need community. We need to have our ideas valued and heard. But more than that, we need to grow as educators. If you are standing still as a teacher or administrator, I honestly feel like there is something wrong there. We, as educators, need to continue the learning. We need to model life long learning to our students. The best way I have found is through community, or Personal Learning Networks and/or Communities (PLN/PLC) . 

For me, community comes in many forms: real life on campus, Twitter, Voxer, and Google +. Each have their own merits and I use each of them differently. 




My real life PLCs on campus know me in and out of the classroom and my current situations. They are with me day to day with the struggles of the curriculum, students, crazy schedule days, etc. They are the ones I can be open about the ins and outs of the day.

Twitter is my professional development I can get anywhere at anytime. I love my Twitter peeps! I can ask questions, share stories, get ideas, and discover the new and up in coming in education. Twitter has pushed me to be a better educator in ways I didn't know existed! Twitter opened my mind to the world! There are so many that I admire, and I hope I inspire a couple like I have been! Without Twitter, I wouldn't have applied to be a Google Certified Teacher (and got in!!) in 2009. I wouldn't have discovered the WEALTH of knowledge through Edcamps and conferences, which I was encouraged to apply to present. I wouldn't have discovered Teach Like a Pirate, flipping the classroom, EduMatch, EduPuppets, and so so much more!! I have made a wealth of edu-friends that are as near and dear to me as my day to day friends. 


Voxer is the way to actually talk and chat with mini communities. Granted some of those communities are large, but it feels small. Here is were conversations with educators spark new ideas, create projects, and even chats on the spot! It has reinvigorated me to take those Twitter conversations and make them deeper and even more meaningful-which I didn't think is was possible! 


So long story short....get out there and connect! ANY community is better than zero community! A connected educator is a better educator! We are better together! Teachers do NOT need to be an island any longer! We are a community of passionate educators who care about our students and staff and what we bring to our profession! 

EdCampHOME 3.0-A Reflection

Thank you EdCampHOME mods for letting borrow your logo!

As many of you know, Edcamps are EPIC. AMAZING. AWE-INSPIRING. And simply #EduAWSOME! 

Like many others, I was excited for EdCampHOME 3.0. I loved that it was an event in the evening, and that I was tapped to help. I had attended the first EdCampHOME as a watcher, 2.0 as a participant, so needless to say I was thrilled to help and be an "initiator". 

Thursday came along....along with a dentist appointment! It was scheduled at 3PM, so if I got in and out I would make it on time. But, alas, I got in late and out about 4:05PM. Thank goodness for smart phones! I got to join the party via my phone till I made it home, just in time for the initiator Google Hangout (GHO). So while I listened, I prepared my workspace. 

What I didn't realize is that my headphone/microphone wasn't completely charged, nor did I realize that I needed to fix the settings in my GHO AND my Mac! As a result, the first session I moderated, Makerspace on a Shoestring Budget, I sounded like a robot. Thank goodness those in the session started while I fixed my "voice". 

The discussion that ensued was priceless. I have been reading Invent to Learn by Sylvia Libow Martinez and Gary Stager. Needless to say, I was very excited to hear what others have done in their classrooms. I was joined by Anne Jenks, Jamison Luke, Marcie Herbert, Tamra Dollar, Leslye Thiery, Liza Browne, and others that were watching. As the conversation went on (and I finally didn't sound like a robot), we discovered that all of us were in the process of creating a makerspace. We want our students to be creative, to try and fail, and try and succeed. Plus, we all wanted to "hangout" again to see where everyone is in their makerspace classroom. 

We talked about 3D printers (here is one that was suggested), coding, and traditional materials for our makerspaces. One resource shared was CtiyXProject X. They " introduces key 21st century skills, including emotional literacy, empathy, design thinking, creative problem solving, and social literacy using hands-on engagement with 3D printing and modeling technologies"(IDEAco2014). Best part? They have a workshop that is FREE and a toolkit that is FREE! Something to test out this year. 

My second session was 1:1 Classroom for Newbies. I have to admit, this one was my session suggestion and a selfish one at that! I am piloting 1:1 with Chromebooks next year and wanted to "steal" as many ideas as I could! I have been trying to prepare, creating lessons and such, but is anyone truly prepared to go 1:1?! I guess I'll find out!

Session two ran much more smoothly than the first (whew!) and I was joined by a small, but insightful group including: Tina Nording, Natalie McKalip, Kathy Nichols, and Travis Phelps. We introduced our selves and discovered that many of us are just beginning the journey. So we shared different resources that would help ease the 1:1 journey. I mentioned Zaption and EDpuzzle. Both are similar in that you have your students interact with the video they are watching. I like it as you get to check in with your students as they work. Plus, students get to work at their own pace. I created a lesson on each site for digital citizenship that I am pretty excited about it. 

Other resources shared was Hemingway. Hemingway is a great app/web based tool in that as students write helps them write more precise and clear. The site gives students' suggestions in color to help improve their writing. Another similar web based tool is No Red Ink, made by teachers for teachers. It offers high interest material, authentic assessments, blended learning, unlimited practice, and adaptive technology. Best part, FREE!

So much learning and sharing! We are certainly better together and EdCampHOME proves that. No matter how little we know, or even how much, participating in an event like EdCampHOME inspires everyone. We push each other to be better, to grow, to share, to make our "closed classroom" a more open and even global classroom. And better yet....we can participate in EdCampHOME in our pajamas!

Hosting EdCamp TLC: A True Labor of Love

Wow! The time has come for Karen's and my culminating activity for CTA's Teacher Leadership Cohort project. We had been spending almost a year building professional development in our districts. We had been focusing on the needs of our teachers and educators to create, lead, connect, and build their confidence in their teaching methods. We had been given (and continue to be given) countless opportunities to share with not only educators in our districts, but to educators across the state. We have truly been blessed to share, learn, and connect our knowledge with others.

So, after months of preparations and road blocks, EdCamp TLC finally arrived. 

I have been to several EdCamps before, and I hoped that EdCamp TLC would meet the expectations I had in my own mind: that educators will come together to share, collaborate, learn, and connect. 

Thanks to all of our sponsors!

I got up incredibly early and arrived at Teacher's College of San Joaquin to begin set up. Karen and I had all the essentials, coffee and breakfast items, as well as the "swag bags" and giveaways ready. 

As 8:30AM rolled around, attendees began showing. We checked them in, added them to Class Dojo for our giveaways. Excitement was building! But would it be the EdCamp, Karen and I envisioned?

As attendees checked in, grabbed breakfast, we encouraged them to add ideas to the session board. Anything that they were interested in, curious about, wanted to share, etc. As many had never experienced an EdCamp before (just one!), Karen and I did add to the session board to jump start the process. Before long, attendees were chatting, connecting, and adding their thoughts and interests to the session board.

Session board

Things were falling together!

Session building had begun! I love the organic process of EdCamps. Participants are truly in charge of their professional growth and the sessions created did reflect that. We had topics ranging from Smart Tech, Social Media and PD, webpage design, Genius Hour, Math Web Tools, Web 2.0, Remind101, Flipped Class, Edmodo, iPad Apps (Doceri, Educreations, etc.), GAFE Certification, and Blogging/Writing Technologies. It was truly exciting to see such a list created by teachers and for teachers! What a day of learning we had ahead of us!

Rooms began to buzz once sessions began. Although many were brand new to the EdCamp experience, all were excited to learn. Discussions began to flow, the sharing of knowledge grew, and excitement continued to build. We may have been a small group, but we were mighty and eager!




As the day drew to a close, we had one more activity to connect all participants: the one, the only "Things that SUCK"! I love "Things that SUCK"! I was first introduced to this concept at my very first EdCamp SV North. "Things that SUCK" is simply, it is a discussion, a debate, and/or a conversation on topics that affect those in the room. This activity can be done for staff meetings, education, non-education (I am getting my husband to do this in his business office!), even with your students! It is a powerful way to see just how others think and share their points of view in a wonderful and fun way. Bill Selak shares more on recreating this activity here.

Many of our participants agreed on quite a bit of topics, however, the most "controversial" was on "cute classrooms"! Who knew! Thanks to David Theriault for that topic! But, as always, it was fun, fair, and another way to share and connect with passionate educators.

The overall goal was to connect and inspire. I met a great bunch of educators that continually want to learn and grow in their profession. Educators who are willing to move out of their comfort zone to gain new heights.

I think Karen and I did just that. As we later learned that Michael Saunders blogged his about his experience at EdCamp TLC. What did he discover? 

 And now, Michael wants to create an EdCamp in his area (I am so THERE!). 


Did we accomplish our goal? I think so. Just like we need to encourage and model collaboration with our students, Sir Ken Robinson reminds us what education and learning is all about. 

The Fruits of Labor and Professional Development

Region Six's annual ETC Conference at Gregori High School was in full swing Saturday, February 22! ETC had over 800 (yes, you read that right) educators gather to learn more about technology, its use, and integration into classrooms.

The energy was palpable as more and more teachers entered the gym. The excitement of learning new tech was everywhere. Venders were showing products, breakfast was served, and  Luke Hubbard  was handing out laptop bags and making sure presenters and attendees were all set. It was the beginnings of a great day of learning!

I began the day with the amazing Andrew Schwab on how to Google more efficiently. It was great! From Google Scholar to searching a file type. You and your students can even better learn Google Search through courses online. Andrew rocked the room! AND the best part, he shared all his resources! Yes!


Then Karen Taylor and I were up. Web Tools and Apps for the Common Core. We had a packed room of teachers ready to learn. 

We polled the room to see what kind of technology users we had (very high users this session!) and then were off!

Me getting my share on!

We walk attendees through web tools and apps that fit the Blooms's New Taxonomy and the Common Core. Because this was the first hour presentation Karen and I have done (we typically do an hour and a half minimum or up to three hours) we glossed the lower levels because we teachers, we want to see our students reaching the higher levels! Not that the lower levels aren't important. They are! They are essential to get our students achieving at the higher one and all are incorporated in the higher levels as well. 

With Bloom's in mind, we discussed, demonstrated and gave classroom use/examples of Padlet, Popplet, Today's Meet, Vod and Podcasting, blogging, Comic Life, movie posters through Big Labs, Vokis, raps, Fakebook, Animoto, Aurasma, Educreations, Genius Hour, and so much more! It was incredible! All our resources, including our presentation can be located here.

The best part of it all is the sharing and connecting with educators. Not only did I have the support of the staff I work with (shout out to Lori, Amanda, Fergi, and Anne!), but I got to meet some Twitter heroes face to face as well as new teachers who became inspired by what they saw and heard. I was Tweeted and talked to after the entire conference saying that our session was worth the entire day! I was even stopped by a brand new teacher at Starbucks about our "inspiring class" and how she went directly to her classroom to set up for the week with her "new technology tools"! #EduWIN!

My new moto.

Through all the professional development I have been a part of has taught and reinforced to me that sharing and connecting goes a LONG way. We as educators need to open our doors and rooms, our ideas, thoughts, and questions to other educators. The only way to get better is to work together! Even the smallest idea can turn to be HUGE for someone else! Long gone are the days of "on my own island" teaching. We must empower, inspire, and help each other! Connect with at personal learning community or network. Go big or go home!

Educators are not teachers because it's a job....we are educators because it is our PASSION! 

So get passionate and be a lifelong learner and a sharer! 

Sharing the Knowledge- Tech Learning Community goes on the Road!

Whew! Two weeks ago was such a crazy week! I am  happy to be back to "normal",  but thrilled with the opportunities I have been given. I love learning more about my profession and how to improve and be better
for my students. I work and learn for the love of learning and for each of my kiddos.

As some of you know, I was fortunate to attend the Google Apps for Education 1:1 Summit in Napa. My reflection can be read here. 

Immediately following Napa, I headed to San Jose for the California Teacher's Association's (CTA) Good Teaching Conference. I was asked to present the Common Core pre-conference as well as the Good Teaching Conference with the amazing Karen Taylor. Karen and I met last summer through the CTA's Teacher Leadership Cohort. Through this cohort, each member was to put together a project that would be beneficial to teachers, school, district, and/or beyond. Karen and I had the same passion for technology and recognized the need for ongoing professional development in incorporating technology into our classrooms.

Through our project, we have created our Tech Learning Community (TLC) website, professional development for teachers within our districts, and the development for an "unconference" for both districts to merge and learn from and together. It seems we have been working non-stop toward our goal of growing, developing, and learn with technology. It has truly been an honor to get to know Karen, to work with the teachers in my district and help them with their needs.

Since the creation of TLC, Karen and I have been given the opportunity to share what we have learned with others in the state (and possibly beyond!!)! That alone is connecting us with educators that inspire each of us and push us even more than we push ourselves.

Our first joint venture was at last weekend's Good Teaching Conference. Next is Common Core in Anaheim and one per month till April!




AND yesterday I was asked to present for CUE and CTAP!

I am truly thankful for Karen, CTA and Teacher Leadership Cohort and their members, and all the educators and students who inspire me to be better every day!

So THANK ALL OF YOU!

 It truly is an exciting time!