Theory Into Action: #supdsb

We talk a lot about how the world is changing.  We hear predictions that concern us for awhile, then we go back to our jobs.

But here we are: “Every single job function we can identify is being fundamentally transformed.”

(David Rose, in D. Culberhouse, The Future Will Be Very Different)

Continuing to do what we are doing now is a disservice to our children.

But how do we change?

We know three things that are essential:

  1. Creating the compelling argument for change (Creative Public Leadership, The RSA)

On March 29, I was privileged to learn with educators from Superior North Catholic District School Board and Superior Greenstone District School Board.

The TELT (Technology Enabled Learning and Teaching) Contacts understand the need to create a compelling argument for innovative practice to ensure all of our students are empowered to learn to thrive in their world.  George Couros, author of The Innovator’s Mindset, was invited to lead the learning for the day.

You can find a summary of the learning here and on Twitter using the hashtag #supdsb.

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SGDSB TELT Contact Stacey Wallwin (@wallwins) welcoming George Couros (@gcouros), thanking him for his support in the recent online study of his recent book, The Innovator’s Mindset.

 

2. Build Community

It was a very special day that focused on building capacity in our communities.

Educators from both English-speaking boards learned together in the same room.  In my experience, formal professional learning rarely involves co-terminus boards learning together, but we know that together we are better and this event was living proof.

Educators from SNCDSB and SGDSB sat together at tables, sharing learning from the day and building a learning network for the future.

SNCDSB TELT Contact Katie DiBiagio cheers on SGDSB Director Dave Tamblyn as he competes with SNCDSB Director Alexa MacKinnon, cheered on by George Couros.
SNCDSB TELT Contact Katie DiBiagio cheers on SGDSB Director Dave Tamblyn as he competes with SNCDSB Director Alexa McKinnon, cheered on by George Couros.

 

3. Flatten the Organization

How often as educators do we participate in professional learning events with only those in like-roles?

At this event, both Directors were present for the full day of learning.  Sitting at the tables were superintendents, teachers, community engagement leaders, tech champions, school leaders,  digital learning volunteers, IT staff and guests.

From DCluberhouse, https://dculberh.wordpress.com/2014/11/01/from-disconnected-hierarchies-to-connected-ecosystems/
From DCluberhouse, https://dculberh.wordpress.com/2014/11/01/from-disconnected-hierarchies-to-connected-ecosystems/

 

If we are going to innovate in 2016, we need to entrench practices that enable the flow of ideas.

Congratulations to SNCDSB and SGDSB for putting theory into practice, for putting learning ahead of false boundaries, and for taking some big leaps toward entrenching innovative thinking into professional practice..

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SNCDSB TELT Contact Katie DiBiagio, George Couros, SNCDSB Director Alexa McKinnon.

 

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Resources for the day

 

 

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