I'm a year and two months removed from having my own 175 students to experiment with, talk with and learn with. During that year and two months, I've seen some incredible growth in the teachers that I've been working with closely to implement technology and accept the shift in pedagogy to a more student-centered classroom, but it's not the same. I miss teaching. 

Today, however, was a unique day in my role as a technology coach. Today, I got to co-teach a lesson with Mr. Martinez at Los Osos High School and it. was. perfect.


I had a chance to make something potentially very useful, even if it isn't that flashy, in Desmos:

This post have very little to do with math, though. In truth, teaching has very little to do with content, regardless of what you teach.

By now, I'm sure that you've read Grant Wiggins' post about his daughter going back to school as a student for the day. If you're really up on your "I'm going to read great blog posts" game, you read John Mahlstedt's post that was inspired by Grant's daughter's journey. Those are two days in the lives of students, and they're necessary if we want to get the perspective of the kids.

But we're missing something. We're missing how much we as teachers take for granted the smile that Darin comes in with every morning, good day or bad. We're missing the high five that Rylan wants after she answers a question correctly. We're missing the wide-eyed Octavio who is eager to learn because you're the one person he has learned to trust. We're missing the difficult Andrew who comes in with a chip on his shoulder and dares you to brush it off. 

When it all comes down to the details, we know that we didn't get into teaching for the paycheck - that's merely a byproduct and tangible reward for what goes unnoticed on a daily, even hourly, basis. My day today was filled with so many moments that reminded my why I loved my job as a teacher and why I love supporting other teachers who are ready to push themselves. While I often overlooked them while I was teaching, I certainly don't miss the chance to cherish them now. I'll say it again:

If you're teaching, cherish that. Be proud of that. We are a noble profession.


Happy Fishing

EdCamp Palm Springs happened last week. There were some great things that happened, and there were some things that I would want to do differently for next year. One aspect I wouldn't change? Having students be a part of the experience.

Since EdCamp Palm Springs was being held at James Workman Middle School, Jessica Pack had her ASB students show up to help out with the day. Setting up the signage, registering attendees, and greeting people. Oh, and this:

C'mon, you didn't watch that?! Seriously, it's great stuff. Mrs. Pack's students gave a play-by-play introduction of what EdCamp is, how to EdCamp, and even a few tips on having a successful day. We played this on a timed loop to begin the morning.

Not only did the students help set up, but they also helped make the sessions run. They were in the iMovie session, pretty much leading it. They filled a session where a teacher wanted to know hot to use tech without abusing it. They were intense contributors of "Things That Suck".

Many tweets were sent about the learning that happened, and that was great. My favorite, though? The kids.

At the beginning of the morning, we made a decision to give each student a raffle ticket and dropped it into the bag for a few iTunes gift cards. EdCamps are not hubs for winning "stuff", but it's really cool to be surprised when you give up your Saturday. Plus, it's an added "woohoo!!!" for a group of lively middle schoolers. Surprised, we all were.

After giving out over a dozen prizes throughout the day, none of the students had won anything. They worked hard, hustled around the campus, and engaged in genuine conversation. One student finally won a gift card and her face was priceless. 

Our big prize at the end of the day was a 64GB iPad mini with a case from Maxcases. Once the smaller prizes were given, everyone's ticket got dumped into one, and one more ticket was drawn. Last 4 digits? 8121. EIGHTY ONE, TWENTY ONE? ANYONE?"

Fortunately, there was a name. "David. David? Is David still here?" Getting ready to pull another name out of the box, a timid young man comes from behind me and apologetically says that the ticket was his. He had accidentally dropped both of his tickets into the bag and felt terrible. "I'm sorry, but it was an accident. I didn't win. Please draw another name."

Now here's the conundrum: I told the students that they were only eligible for the iTunes Gift Cards. However, it would have been impossible for me to discern between their tickets and the rest of the teacher tickets. Now, everyone's looking at me and what I do.

"Whadda ya think, everyone? David here put an extra ticket into the bag by accident."

(audience full of teachers is all positive)

I look over to a couple of the EdCamp Palm Springs organizers and all I needed was the head nod. They granted it.

"Look, folks. These kids have worked their tails off. They've added to the conversation and made our day that much better. David, get up here and take your new iPad!"

Without a doubt, this was the best moment of my week.

Chalk one up to good karma for EdCamp.