Introduction

I spent 16 years as a classroom teacher.  Seven years as a 5th grade teacher, three years supporting Spanish immersion students in grades 3-5 in their English learning, and finally six years as a classroom teacher of exceptionally gifted students in our district's Navigator Program.

All this gave me a lot of great tools in my toolbox for my current job.  I get to support teachers across our district (mainly at the elementary level, but sometimes at middle and high school) in the following areas: innovation, computer science, and hands-on, inquiry based learning.

I'm always amazed when I travel around and see innovative, creative uses of technology, tools, and activities to engage students and maximize learning.  There are so many good things going on!  I'm also amazed when teachers are vulnerable and proactive enough to reach out to me and say, "Hey, can you come and show me a better way to do _____________?"  I love that.  It allows me to pull from my toolbox and approach problems in new and exciting ways.

I have seen so much good come of this.  So many places where teachers, schools, and classrooms are bucking against the old, traditional model to provide students with learning experiences and tools that will take them through the 21st century.

Which is why I created this blog.  To show you some of the amazing things that are going on.  Maybe it will inspire you to try new things in your schools too!