Nifty Tool

The Lenovo tablet is a very useful and valuable tool to have all things related to Kenan in one place.  Most importantly the Lenovo technology device was easy to transport.  What I mostly enjoyed was the fact that I was able to quickly snapped pictures and even record mini-videos of the students working collaboratively within the class.  The students were also thrilled that we had access to an additional piece of technology in the classroom which captivated their interest.  It was also a huge hit with my ESL student because it was easy for him as were would read aloud, to have access to the dictionary at his fingertips to aid in the understanding of certain words.  It was very easy to find and utilize drag and drop illustrations review pertaining to concepts being discussed.  Additionally easy access to interactive videos and or youtube videos for some students who needed the additional support.  The students always brought their headphones and were never to ashamed to asked permission to seek out supplemental resources if they did not understand what was being discussed in class.  Awesome gadget to have in class; my only wish was that I had one for every student.

After years of watching education evolved from the business of educating to something much more convoluted, I was ready to be out.  As a result of desperation, I began seeking PD’s to give me that mental strength to finish out the year.  In attending a workshop at the Museum of Science in Raleigh, I spoke to an inspirational pair of young ladies who did an awesome job listening to me vent my frustrations and pointed me in the direction of the Kenan program.  Their presentation of the program blew me away.  My first thought was how this program could have remained such a secret for this long.   I never heard of this program.  Why was this kept a secret for so long?  I had enormous trepidations; it just sounded too good to be true.

This Kenan partnership made perfect sense; finally an organization that respected the role of teachers and how integral we are in disseminating information to our students.   This experience has renewed my faith in myself and what I bring to the learning experience of young individuals.  I feel rejuvenated and empowered and just might be hanging around in the classroom for a few more years.  Thanks Kenan!

Over the years I have developed increased anxiety at the thought of attending another PD for “Educator’s”.  Mostly these events usually end with bags of additional paperwork that I never could find the time to sit and really read.  I am usually left with the feeling that none of this stuff is tangible material that I can easily transfer to classroom use.  However, this Kenan Fellowship PD was superbly done!  The sessions were all relevant to what we as educators do in the classroom daily.  Most importantly the presenters were not that far removed from the classroom that they could not relate to what tools were vital and necessary for an educators daily living in the classroom.   I was amazed at the level of compassion and respect that was demonstrated.  I feel empowered as an educator!