Authenticity is Key

I'm really enjoying this year's Connected Educator Month, and I must say that I wish as educators we could focus more on developing our skills through each other.  I'm finding that connecting with others in my department and school has really opened up my classroom to innovative ideas, and the students are really enjoying school.  

This past week our campus hosted the first ever Twitter chat for our school district.  We had over 30 educators participate in the inaugural chat, and some lively discussions were held under the "Student Engagement" theme.  It was awesome to hear the thoughts of elementary and middle school teachers, and see the camaraderie amongst the employees of the district.  A group of us even met up with the principal at school to make an event of it, and we left that night with goals that we hope to achieve this school year.  Even better, other schools were asking to host the chat at their campus.  It's so amazing to see everyone working to help each other out!  It's moments like this that I truly appreciate the district that I am lucky to call my home.

So, why even mention this event this week?  It's obvious ... I want to show off a bit, but more importantly, I think that it feeds perfectly into the question for this week's Connected Educator prompt:

How/when does a connection become authentic?

I believe that authenticity relies on the level of commitment a person chooses to display in regards to the issue at hand.  In the case of connectivity, it becomes authentic when an individual decides to make a conscious effort to maintain their level of communication.  It's both the simplest and most difficult thing to do because as teachers, we find it quite difficult to find enough time to keep the juggling act going every single day.  I find that at times I have to remind myself that if I hope to become the best teacher that I know I can be, then I must take the time to reflect on my teaching process and ask for assistance.  

The past couple of months have been somewhat stressful because I have chosen to teach in a completely new format.   By connecting with other teachers around the country, I have made a decision that I think is for the best of my students.  Despite the stress that comes with these changes, I also have a community of people that I can both vent to and to develop solutions.  So, while the stress is always present, it's the type of stress that let's me know that I'm making positive changes.

-A