I'm currently dealing with the nasty flu/cold bug that's been flying around, but I wanted to reflect on a few observations from the past couple days. As new tech coaches, my partner and I are trying to distance ourselves from the perception of coach and allow teachers to view us as supporters. We are here to support teachers to enhance instruction through the use of technology.
To start off this new position and new relationship, our goal is to go around and shake the hand of every teacher on every one of our 10 high schools (we are a high school district). So far, we've gotten to two schools and, if our numbers serve us right, we've met with about 80% of the teachers. Some are absent, some are at trainings, and some were simply out of their rooms when we stopped by during their prep. If we can get 80% of the district to know who we are, that's a pretty good start.
To start off this new position and new relationship, our goal is to go around and shake the hand of every teacher on every one of our 10 high schools (we are a high school district). So far, we've gotten to two schools and, if our numbers serve us right, we've met with about 80% of the teachers. Some are absent, some are at trainings, and some were simply out of their rooms when we stopped by during their prep. If we can get 80% of the district to know who we are, that's a pretty good start.
Having someone new come into your classroom is similar to an uninvited guest walking into your home. You get territorial. You question motive. You want them to leave. Which, oddly enough, was not the case in our first two days of introductions. Granted, the principals sent out a warning email, but still. The welcome that we received was so positive that it's obvious we are wanted.
One of the really cool things about being a tech coach and meeting all of these new people is the fact that I get to learn SO MUCH more than I could have in my four walls of a classroom. Today, Mr. Martinez taught me about Verbally, an app that speech-impaired students can use as a way to verbalize their thoughts. Here I am, tech guy, and I was blown away by this. Sure, it's a simple app, but the uses for it in a Special Education classroom are aplenty.
The second great thing that I learned today was that I need to get Google Glass. Not just because it enhances my geek cred, but there are educational applications. After meeting a teacher who was raving about hers, I now have to convince my wife that $1500 for a pair of glasses is a good idea. Any help here???
All in all, it was a great day. I got to introduce teachers to Desmos, had the chance to answer a few basic tech questions, and, more importantly, enjoyed meeting new teachers who are thrilled to be in the field of education. I guess a simple "Hello" really does go a long way.
Happy Fishing
One of the really cool things about being a tech coach and meeting all of these new people is the fact that I get to learn SO MUCH more than I could have in my four walls of a classroom. Today, Mr. Martinez taught me about Verbally, an app that speech-impaired students can use as a way to verbalize their thoughts. Here I am, tech guy, and I was blown away by this. Sure, it's a simple app, but the uses for it in a Special Education classroom are aplenty.
The second great thing that I learned today was that I need to get Google Glass. Not just because it enhances my geek cred, but there are educational applications. After meeting a teacher who was raving about hers, I now have to convince my wife that $1500 for a pair of glasses is a good idea. Any help here???
All in all, it was a great day. I got to introduce teachers to Desmos, had the chance to answer a few basic tech questions, and, more importantly, enjoyed meeting new teachers who are thrilled to be in the field of education. I guess a simple "Hello" really does go a long way.
Happy Fishing
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