Get Fired Up!

There has been much (needed) discussion in education these days regarding compliance, engagement, and empowerment. Clearly we want to move away from classrooms that breed compliance. Students do not need to be completing an endless list of mundane tasks. Students need to be challenged and involved in their learning. In an engaged classroom, students enjoy what they are doing and would likely continue doing it even if they did not have to. Engaged students are active participants in their own learning. They are motivated because they are involved in tasks that are of high interest to them. Empowered students have freedom, voice, and choice regarding their own learning. Empowered students have design responsibilities. They choose pathways. Empowered students become responsible for their own learning.

The time has come to expand the compliance, engagement, and empowerment conversation. The message that I want to really drive home this week is not about student engagement, it is about educator engagement. All school administrators, teachers, and leaders need to challenge themselves to move beyond compliance. Students need educators who are engaged and not simply going through the motions. Running a smooth school or classroom is not enough. Students need educators to follow their hearts, take risks, and be ultra intentional. How can we expect our students to be engaged or empowered if we are not putting our hearts into what we are doing? Are we giving kids our best or are we giving them our average? Are you on cruise control? It's time to take ownership of our own learning. Start a reflective blog. Listen to a podcast on the way to work. Here is a link to  a podcast I've began hosting. Participate in a Twitter chat so you can be exposed to new ideas. Arrange a Voxer Chat with you and a group of your like minded peers so you can share and learn. Sign up for an EdCamp. Check out new titles on Amazon and order a new book. Make a goal to read more and stick to it! No matter what, do not allow your passion for education to dwindle. Fuel your passion so others can feel your flame!