Connected Learner

Coaches model the ISTE Standards for Students and the ISTE Standards for Educators, and identify ways to improve their coaching practice.

GROWTH MINDSET

Maintaining a growth mindset is crucial in the world of education. Students deserve to have teachers and mentors who are constantly challenging themselves. I find this is best practiced through self-reflection and maintaining an inquisitive personality. Even throughout the day or week, if a lesson is repeated, it should only get better after reflecting on what things worked, thought should have worked but didn't, worked when you thought they shouldn't, or completely failed. There is no possible way for one person to know everything. As they say, "it takes a village."

I am constantly challenging myself to learn more and to find little tips and tricks to share with others. I have worked through independent study in the field of Information Technology by earning my CompTIA A+ certification and am ready to take my CompTIA Network+ certification exam. My training was done through Udemy and LinkedInLearning - a resource provided to PWCS staff for free!

Additionally, as PWCS moves to a Microsoft-centered platform, I spend as many available moments working through their Microsoft Learn platform where I am allowed free training on specific Microsoft products.

VISION, MISSION, GOALS, and STRATEGIES

Instructional practices, strategies, protocols, resources, and structures will change over time. This can be especially frustrating to teachers and other staff members who are being forced into using a specific instructional practice. This is where I find I can step in and take lead. By keeping up with current practices, and by getting teachers to buy in to my assistance, I can provide the proper support for the teacher. I like to take a 'final-product-first' approach so I can see the vision to start. But, instead of working forward TO the vision, I work backwards and break down larger components of a lesson until we have dissected each part and can formally assess how it all fits together to reach the goal.

By building backwards from the Vision, I can help to fine tune small components of the lesson and incorporate specific strategies that will embolden the lesson and deepen the learning. Sometimes, we need to 'embrace the chaos' and 'trust the process' as we move towards the goal. Having that vision will give students the trust needed to keep them engaged and growing.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT:

Udemy | udemy.com

Microsoft Learn | docs.microsoft.com/en-us/learn/

LinkedIn Learning | linkedin.com/learning/

CompTIA A+ | comptia.org/certifications/a

CompTIA Network+ | comptia.org/certifications/network

MY FOCUS: Microsoft Office 365 and Canvas

I plan on focusing on the incorporation of Canvas and Microsoft's Office 365 products into the lives of PWCS staff and students. These are integral components to a digital education and are found beyond the walls of Prince William County. Microsoft already offers a large brochure of Office365 training and I've even already started incorporating OneNote and OneDrive into my own daily schedule.

Office 365 is PWCS's solution to single sign-on for various software programs and integrated apps. I plan to offer weekly brochures and/or solicited literature for teachers to use so they can incorporate Office 365 more seamlessly into their lesson plans. Additionally, I will be offering monthly in-person professional development for teachers to have hands-on experience with Office 365.

COLLABORATION

Let's face it: I have great ideas. You have great ideas. Learning on my own time is critical, but sometimes you can learn even more just by listening and being with other professionals in the field. By collaborating and working together through different perspectives, we are able to find new and different solutions to common problems. And, believe it or not, sometimes those solutions can come in the least likely of places! I find this to be exhilarating and worthwhile as I brainstorm solutions. My background and perspective only lends me a certain understanding. But, when I put it together with someone else's perspective, I am able to deepen learning experiences and encourage growth of others.

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