So many takeaways
This week has been absolutely amazing in every way! I have learned about so many amazing and useful tools, ideas, apps, shortcuts, resources, etc. So much so, that it is beyond easy to feel overwhelmed (but definitely in a good way). Every single day this week, there were 
multiple times that I felt like “YES,” now there’s something I can definitely use that when I get back to school. I’m thankful that everything was documented so well that even if I forget specifics, I have a reference database to pull up info. If asked however, it would be extremely difficult to think of just one takeaway that I would guess I’d use the most. SO I’m relieved that I don’t have to do that. I will however share how I plan to implement things when I return to school in August. First and foremost, when I return home, I intend on giving myself some time to mentally debrief. My brain literally needs a break. After that though, I definitely have a game plan.
Today we received some great insight from former fellows about what to expect next. One particularly useful suggestion was to choose two to three takeaways that I want to implement when school starts. From there, I can use that experience’s successes and failures when I implement one or two more later in the year. This made a lot sense to me, because I know I would be overwhelmed if I didn’t have a game plan.
Nothing compares
There are PDs and then there is the Kenan Fellows PD. It trumps all others! Typically, school-based professional development is necessary, but not always the most engaging or useful for all faculty and staff. As an art teacher, I can definitely attest to that. Unless it’s a specific art education PD, I often find myself reflecting on how I could be using my time better by lesson planning, prepping, experimenting, etc. I can’t say that about this experience, though. The Kenen Fellows summer PD gives us just what we need to be better educators for our schools, districts and communities. This was the type of PD every teacher dreams of — hands on, beneficial, relevant and useful.
And the one thing I haven’t touched on, that is just immeasurable, is the relationships. The 25 of us came in on Monday very quietly, timidly and a bit apprehensive. We will leave tomorrow as a family — network of 25 strong fellow educators, friends and colleagues. Thank you to all involved in the Kenan Fellows program, for this yearlong opportunity. I feel blessed!