What Teachers Want...My Philosophy

I am convinced that any teacher will do whatever it takes for their kids once they know it will help them academically.  They don't have the time to waste on things that might work.  It has to work!  That is why the most motivating professional development presenters are those that have lived the experience of technology integration.  They are the ones that, when they share their story, leave no doubt in the mind of the audience that what they are saying are true.  Their passion and their belief in the impact that technology can have on improving learning simply fills the room in such a way that the audience breathes in the understanding that technology,  when used thoughtfully within the classroom, can move mountains and cause the earth to shake.

My heart literally aches when someone mechanically describes technology integration and leaves the room feeling empty and cold because I know that some listening will be lost, at least for a little while.  And, our students cannot afford that time.

If you've ever watched Marco Torres present, you'll know what I'm talking about.  He doesn't just believe what he's saying, he KNOWS what he's saying is true.  And not a should in the room leaves a presentation without being 100% sure that, should they decide to give it a try, they will receive spectacular results.

So, what is my message here?  What am I trying to say?  To those of you lucky enough to have lived this dream and seen the transformation and, yes, I'll say it, miracle of technology guide your students to a newer, higher level, share that message with the passion you had the moment you knew it was so.  Add those personal moments so your audience can live them with you, so they leave wanting to create those very moments for themselves.  Remember it makes no difference whether your audience is the Science teacher next door or a stadium full of educators.  Believe in them!  Believe that they will do it because they very much care about the education their students receive.  Sell them first on the truth of the power of integrated technology instead of jumping to the technology itself.  Ask them to believe it, not because you told them so, but because it is the truth!

Share the magic!   Share the power!