I continue to write about focus as I move down this multiple-paths direction of teaching and learning today. Especially after a day like edcamp Boston when so many educators intersected with multiple perspectives, roles, and reach.
Essentially every educator has to find their voice, vision, and craft. Then, in the best of circumstances, we come together with respect, care, truth, and willingness to collaborate, listen to each other, and collectively teach children well.
When it comes to this kind of collaboration, people bring many experiences, beliefs, strategies, and judgements to the table. Some come on too strong, and others never voice a thought or opinion. Some readily share, and others see that as over-communication, self promotion. Some critique with ease, and other choose to not get involved. Most fall somewhere along those continuums as they put forth their best effort to do the job well.
In many ways this transparent journey of developing craft and repertoire has been challenging, and often efforts have been met with dismay, ridicule, painful truths, and even greater challenges. Overall though the journey has been one of success since my craft is getting better and my ability to teach children well expanding. I've trusted the experts, taken risks, made mistakes (perhaps too many), and learned a lot. Now again, it is a time of detail, finesse, and care when it comes to optimizing the pace, approach, knowledge, and skill of the journey. Onward.
