Wednesday, September 3, 2014

A New Transition

For the last 4 years, I've had the great opportunity of teaching in a 1:1 Apple Distinguished District. After years of collaborating with others and leadership opportunities, it was a decision that I made to transition myself into a new role with a new district.

When I heard about my current district beginning their 1:1 journey, it was quickly something I took interest and investigated for how to become part of it.

After the interview process, I was offered the position as a technology teacher within the district for two elementary buildings. While I'd be using my 1:1 skills that I had gained previously, there were a couple of differences.

1. I'd become a specials teacher. (Yes, I now understand the hardships of trying to memorize over 600 names!)

2. I work in a lab with PC computers (Very different from my years of 1:1 iPads and Macbooks)

3. Skills - the students are still learning and I have to constantly remind myself of that. They don't have the experience that my previous students had.

With knowing those differences, I've used it as a way to learn more myself. It really helps me to think more about the lessons that I create. Not to mention, I'm working on patience with a new device and 600 new students. Of course, they love teaching me things about the PC that I have forgotten over the years being a Macbook user.

Overall, I love the change I have made and wouldn't change it one bit. I love being able to work with many students and faculty members, rather than being kept to one classroom. However, I couldn't be in the position I am today without the encouragement and opportunities given to me by my previous faculty, staff and students.