Two Days of Takeaways

When I first saw the conference flyer for a Digital Leadership conference for March 30th and 31st, my first thought was no way I can be out of district right before STATE TESTS. No way. I have to be in school. I have to "get through the next month".What would I possibly learn in a two day conference with 80% of the school year nearly over?

The answer? Plenty...

Here are some of my major takeaways:

The story of my school is up to me. Tony Sinanis challenged us to think critically about our schools and what they are really saying. Is what you promise the community really happening? Do your messages reflect that? In the end, it's not about my position. It's about what I do in that position. What actions am I taking to best support my school and students for our "messy world" (as Tony puts it)? 

I take a lot of flack from some other administrators about twitter and the power of it. PD is not something that happens TO you. It's something that happens inside you. Eric Sheninger spoke so powerfully about this and the impact of the PLN.  I can tell you, without a doubt, I would not be half the principal I am today without my PLN. They are my go to source for support, venting, ideas, and inspiration. THEY make me look good (just like Eric said). [Yes, opened door for picking on by selected members of my PLN, you know who you are. ;) ]. 

During the keynote, Tony took some kind hearted hits about a blog post detailing his actual car ride to the conference with Eric. It's a great post that speaks to the power of the relationships built in a PLN. Last night, members of "my" PLN met for dinner. This was the first face to face meeting for most of us. But, you would not have known that. In fact, we are quite certain the unlucky couple that ended up at the same hibachi table we did, wished we hadn't connected so well. 

And that's the biggest takeaway--the power of connections. I can't believe where my PLN has taken me in just under 18 months. They are real people facing the same challenges in leadership and schools that I am. Without a PLN, I would not have known that sense of connectedness. I am sincerely grateful that they make time for me online and face to face when we have the chance to meet. 

I'm the lucky one -- and all for the better knowing them.