I still can’t stop thinking about all the thought-provoking conversations I had during our daily livestreams at this year’s ISTE conference in New Orleans.
Over three days Thom and I went deep with some of the most innovative minds in education today: Holly Clark, Lisa Highfill, Ken Shelton, Dr. Rachelle Dene Poth, Michael Cohen, Alice Keeler, Dr. Desiree Alexander, and many, many more.
During those conversations we covered pretty much all of the most pressing issues facing educators in 2022:
- teachers fleeing the profession
- the digital divide and overall inequity
- new restrictions on what can be taught in schools
- the uncertain future of schools
- the possibilities (and limits) of technology
…just to name a few.
You can watch our Day 1 livestream here in case you missed it.
Optimism About the Future of Education
Now that I’ve had some time to rewatch those conversations and reflect, I’ve realized that although they dealt with vastly different themes, every single person expressed deep optimism about the future of education.
I think this optimism can be linked to two remarkable shifts in the way everyone, from our livestream guests, to the edtech vendors in the Expo hall, talked about teaching and learning in our changed world.
Emphasis on Student-Centered Learning
The first notable shift is the emphasis on student-centered learning.
Whether or not people specifically referred to it by name or not, everyone was talking about the importance of creating more relevant, authentic, meaningful learning experiences that are accessible for all.
In other words, there’s a clear growing consensus about the need to apply the concepts of Universal Design for Learning (UDL).
Watch this video to learn more about why we have also come to believe in the vision of UDL.
Cultivating Joy in Teachers
The second notable shift is that alongside discussions about the importance of reaching all learners, folks were just as fervently advocating for the importance of cultivating joy in teachers.
It merits taking a moment to reflect on the monumental nature of this change.
For my entire career in education the main message I’ve absorbed is that being a great teacher means sacrificing oneself for the sake of students.
But it seems as though the world is finally coming to a conclusion that should fill YOU with optimism: it is impossible to meet the needs of students unless we first meet the needs of teachers.
And I’m not referring to an extra planning period every quarter or a free lunch once a month.
I’m referring to cultivating deep engagement and sense of purpose in educators.
The kind of engagement that only occurs when a person is empowered with the tools and knowledge to fully express themselves.
It turns out creativity isn’t just important for students: it’s a critical factor for teacher engagement too.
Now the question is whether or not school leaders will be brave enough to help cultivate an environment where teachers are respected as the true “mad scientist, creative professionals” (my term 😀) that you are.
If not, perhaps we should heed Dr. Desiree Alexander’s suggestion to “take care of ourselves so we can take care of our students.”
And to be clear, by that she means find a school where you are valued and respected and where you can innovate and explore your creativity.
Watch the entire interview with Dr. Alexander here.
Conclusion
Reflecting on our conversations at ISTE made me think of a quote from one of our founding 21st Century Teacher members.
When we asked for feedback about their experience in the 6-week program, here’s what Michael G., a 6th grade social studies teacher had to say:
“The last few years have been the low point of my teaching career. 21st Century Teacher has been truly inspiring–a game changer. Not only am I eager to be in my classroom, I now have the tools, knowledge, and expertise to implement an interactive, creative, hands on learning experience for all of my students regardless of their barriers to learning.”
Reigniting a passion for teaching and helping you bring the vision of Universal Design for Learning into your classroom is the reason we created 21st Century Teacher.
Registration is now open for two new cohorts for the upcoming school year.
Fulfilling teaching that reaches each and every student is possible.
Click here for more information about 21st Century Teacher.
We hope to see you there!
