I was excited and honored to have been selected as one of 100 teachers to receive an invitation to one of the most incredible, world class, invigorating experiences I have been involved with in my educational and professional career. It was a fantastic event full of energy, creativity, and ideas as some of the best teachers from all across the country worked and played together. We heard from 2 keynotes ( John Medina “Brain Rules“, and Jane McGonigal “Reality is Broken.” ) Two excellent speakers and two excellent books. Teachers presenting their projects (on which they were selected by) as well as spending time working with small groups in our Seattle “Learning Excursions”. As you would imagine, we ate in style. I remember thinking “Wow!” as I ate fresh sushi atop the Needle Tower one night and the next enjoyed steak while looking out over the harbor. Microsoft has made it clear that they are eager to connect with innovative teachers across the United States and the world. And their commitment is exemplified in events like this, but if you start to look deeper, you see their commitment everywhere. Their Partners in Learning initiative is going strong. http://youtu.be/uVP7JjqIiik.
What was truly amazing was interacting with 100 fellow colleagues who are right there in the trenches with you. Hearing about their projects, classes, and schools was music to my ears! These were teachers who did not stop at the first no; did not stop at good…but continued on to great; did not let a few bumps along the way stop them…..they were hear because they made things happen. And that is what it takes to be an innovative teacher. Join us.