Sort of an Old Dog, Still Learning New Tricks

When I first started teaching 20 years ago, I was nervous about how to manage a classroom. The experienced teachers joked that when they walked into my room, I blended in with the students. I had to put a lot of effort into learning how to run a room effectively.

A few years ago, when Google Classroom launched, my technology coach encouraged me to learn how to use the platform to support student learning. The goal was to enhance what was already working well in my classroom. I never imagined that it would later be one of the major tools that I used when teaching virtually from home!

As a learning specialist, I am supporting my school's initiatives and embracing what we know and continue to learn about teaching reading. I have supported teachers with training and additional materials so that we can improve an already strong foundation.

I very recently learned about how artificial intelligence is being used to generate essays. I have been reading about teachers who are embracing the technology and using it for specific, targeted activities to help writers grow.

I am getting older, but the learning never stops. I am committed to standing on the foundation that I have built over the last 20 years and will continue to learn, shift, change, and enhance. I hope to always learn new tricks regardless of my age. What new tricks have you learned to improve your work in education?