At The Center of Education...

Over the last two days I have been fortunate enough to learn from and along side some outstanding leaders who are not only sharing their experiences but also listening to the story of others.  I am currently in Austin, TX -- #ATX -- attending the Texas Computer Educators Association (TCEA) annual conference with 14,000+ other educators.  My brain is so full it hurts, but in a good way.

I was fortunate enough to witness the caring heart of Angela Maiers --@AngelaMaiers -- as she reminded us of the importance of relationships with everyone in our school communities.... and everyone in our lives for that matter.  Her message is passionate, uplifting and motivational.  Angela displayed the power of student voice to the groups that cycled through the digital square during #TCEA16.  

Todd Nesloney -- @TechNinjaTodd -- shared with the crowd the work he has done with the community of Navasota, TX to improve the morale and culture of the entire school community.  The outreach he and his staff are doing is tremendous.  Relationships are at the very core of his work with all of his students, staff, and community.  

After hearing from Todd I was able to learn from George Courous -- @gcouros.  What was at the hear of his message you ask?  Relationships.  He encourages you to have an innovators mindset but it all boils down to relationships for him as well. 

As educators we are in the people business, period.  In the end as educators we must always remember that our relationships make the difference in the success of a child, not their grades.  In 20 years after graduation people do not talk about the grades they earned in school as much as how they felt when they were in school.  Think about it.  I bet you can recall how specific teachers made you feel easier and quicker than you can recall the grades you made in their classes.

How do you make students feel? Would you want to be your teacher?

Think.  Achieve.  Succeed.

​Jeff