There are so many accolades that this program deserves.  So this post doesn’t turn into a novel, I’ll prioritize and tell you the main “take aways” I have had as a Kenan Fellow.

First, it has given me new energy and excitement about what I do.  I have met some amazing educators in my cohort and it is so awesome to be working with an entire group who is dedicated to this profession.  Unfortunately, the environment surrounding education today is not always positive, so I rely on the support of others to help me stay positive.  We have learned so many leadership skills in our professional developments that I am more confident in taking a leadership role at my school.  I am better-prepared to lead at my school and to keep morale up for my colleagues.  The last gathering was bittersweet because I know I won’t be with these people again until our graduation in May.

Being a Kenan Fellow has also afforded me the opportunity to try out some new ideas in my classroom.  While I’ve never been afraid to try new ideas, this Fellowship helped me focus on new technologies in the classroom.  It has been a lot of fun using QR codes and making flipped videos.  I am also comfortable using technology to collect data.  I take pictures of my classroom with my tablet, I give polls and I use Google Docs.  I feel data-enabled now and I believe I can collect evidences for those teacher evaluation indicators that always give me the most trouble.  My toolbox continues to be filled up by all the ideas from our speakers as well as from the informal conversations with other fellows.  I am a better teacher because of the experience and I do not believe there is another avenue I could have learned all of this in one short year.

photo credit: veryuseful via photopin cc

Oh, yeah, and there was a rafting trip that was pretty memorable too!!  Thank you Lisa, Craig and all of my fellow Fellows for making it an amazing experience.