Looking back at all the institutes that we have been a part of and reflecting on what we were able to participate in and accomplish, it appears there might have been a purpose to it all.

It started with team building and allowing us fellows the chance to become comfortable with one another as well as with the idea that we are expected to try new things and lead the profession.  From rafting trips and hanging out on the porch to presentations from guys with smart phones and flipping classrooms the first session of PD was there to get our feet wet literally and figuratively.

As we moved to Raleigh focus shifted to what are you actually going to try and do in the classroom and how does it relate to your externship.  I think this was probably the most challenging PD sessions for me and many of the fellows.  Trying to get all of our ideas and experiences into focus.  Heck I think I am still struggling to get all of my ideas into focus and functional in the class room.

The last session was the cap of putting the vision of the fellows as leaders together.  We had the opportunity to see aspects of the political process as well as think about how we can make a difference in NC as well as the US in terms of education.

Overall I think the best part of all the PD institutes was having to opportunity to work with  other teachers from all aspects of education, new Kenan Fellows and old.  Being able to take idea, tech tips, activities and philosophies back to our classrooms and make them work for us.  I feel the collaboration is without a doubt the most important and crucial aspect of good teaching, and all the PD institutes provided us with that.

Having moved from NC to NY and both schools having high poverty and being diverse cultural backgrounds, I have seen the idea of social media in classroom in a multitude of ways.  Having witnessed how social media can take a small issue among a few students and then turn it into a school wide issue, I understand why some schools and administrators have such a strong viewpoint towards its use in class.  However if this is the best way to communicate and reach our students then we as educators need to find ways to use it to reach students safely.  Personally I feel as though technology and teachers will constantly come up with alternative and safe ways to reach students in the best way to deliver content effectively.

I am not a huge fan of social media but do understand that there are ways to incorporate it effectively and safely in the classroom.  School systems have the right to pass rules that are in the best interest of their students safety so I understand the strict viewpoint against, I just don’t think it is the best approach to reach students.