Words are a pretext. It is the inner bond that draws one person to another, not words-Rumi
Words. So plentiful and easy to use in most situations…but what about those events in life for which there are no adequate words? Those events that color your world and leave you transformed in such a way that defy explanation…
As I sit on the plane returning home from Austin, Texas, I am reflecting on just such an event. 6 days ago, I arrived in Austin to attend the Apple Distinguished Educator Institute. Over 400 select educators from the United States, Canada and Mexico came together for a week of professional development, deep conversations, reflective practice and authoring. I know when I get home, I am going to have several people ask me about the experience and that’s where things get difficult. The adjectives I use will be inadequate to describe the week. Words like awesome, amazing, transformative, affirming, celebratory, and inspiring are the best I can do.
For educators, our world is filled with a lot of “Yes, but….”. This week showed me the possibility and power of “Yes, and…”. The simple substitution of one small word in that phrase changes everything. We also learned to celebrate failure and not to fear it. With failure, comes learning.
We were encouraged to take deep dives in thinking about pedagogy and not be afraid to be leaders in change. Leaders do not spend time curating the status quo. They dig down deep and become the change they seek.
While our individual levels of technological knowledge varied, everyone accepted and celebrated each other’s work and success. There was no competition or jealousy. We were all made to feel like Rock Stars and were supported no matter where we are in our journey. Meal times revealed tables and tables of people intently listening and passionately sharing.
Staff development offerings gave us opportunities to learn new programs, apps and techniques as well as get advanced learning in programs we already use. We had brilliant speakers and we learned about the importance of story…how the story isn’t about us and we aren’t the hero. We are more like Yoda…a mentor (only with better hair!)
We learned about the power of iTunes U for educators and we learned how to create our own courses. We were given projects and formed PLN’s (professional learning networks) with like-minded people.
We met the developers of many of the great apps my students use daily. It was so much fun meeting Reshan Richards (Explain Everything and a member of the ADE class of 2013) and Dan Amos (Book Creator). Both are pure genius.
Reshan Richards
Dan Amos
For 17 hours each day, I was drinking from a fire hose. I soaked up every minute and made connections that will for sure be my life-long friends. I was given a legacy to do more, dream more, learn more and become more than I ever thought possible.
I am forever changed…and eternally grateful!
Today we will do exciting new things. Let’s get to it!
iTeach with iPads 
You Rock!!! Glad you had an awesome time!!!!
Audrey,
Thank you!!
Hello Kristi,
Thank you for these beautiful words… I’m from Belgium and will be joining the class of 2013 in Cork next week. I’m trilled to meet people like u 😉
Ronald
Congratulations! Get ready for a life changing experience!
Reblogged this on Changing Views and commented:
awesome
Thank you for such a thoughtful reflection. You seemed to have captured the essence of the week with a simple, “Yes … and”. With this, just about anything is possible. Keep leading the good fight my friend.
Thank you Colin! It was great to meet you this week!
Hi
I had an incredible time in Bali. Such a fantastic community to be invited into.
Stephanie
Yes! Words really don’t describe how wonderful! Thanks for stopping by!
It was so great to meet you. Thank you for inspiring me with your innovation and passion for teaching and learning. I look forward to collaborating with you!
Thank you Liz! It was awesome to meet you also!
Kristi
You have such a wonderful gift for expression through the English language. Thank you for sharing your thoughts, feelings, and inspirations. I agree with your reflections and I wish I could express it half as well as you have.
Best wishes for a great school year,
Thank you Gordon! I appreciate your kind words!
I am thrilled that you were a part of such a meaningful week. I can’t wait to learn some of the new skills you put into your tool box from your experience ( especially how to create iTunesU courses). I agree that the “but” has to be replaced. See you soon!
Can’t wait to share with you!
Thanks for sharing your reflection, Kristi. It was a pleasure meeting you this week!
Enjoy the rest of your summer and good luck on your One Best Thing!
Thanks Kyle! It was great to meet you also!
Kristi,
I really enjoyed your 1 in 3. Thank you for such a thoughtful reflection. I was having a hard time putting my thoughts into words for my wife, who is a Kindergarten teacher of 20 years. I will now share this great reflection with her as a way to help explain the life altering experience I had.
Thank you Brian! So difficult to describe an indescribable week!
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How exciting!! Congratulations on being an integral part of such a dynamic team!!
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Ditto on the sentiments Kristi. It was an overwhelmingly positive experience.
Jim Kinney, ADE 2013
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Thanks for a great reaad