In Administrators by Coachburk / Tags: Conference, Michigan, Principal /
I got back today from my first Principal Conference, and my first thought was did my principals have that much fun when I was a student?I am not even sure where to start. The beautiful location. The great tasting food. The better than a tent cabins. The amazing people we have in the Michigan District. The great presenters. The Lutheran fellowship.
All the above are great places to start.
Our main presenter was David Black. He took us on the journey of looking at Digital Age Learning Skills. For many of the principals these aren’t new concepts, but something they might not understand fully. Dave made sure we remember to always leave an apple pie! We are in revolutionary times and we will have great challenges, but in those great challenges we will have great opportunities. Dave did get a great room of laughter when he answered a question from a principal. The principal asked Dave about what to do with the teacher that will change change because they are holding out to retirement in 3 years. Dave answer, although was funny is true. Dave answered it is easy tell that teacher it is not about him it is about the students, it is about THEIR future. Dave went on talking about trends and meeting standards and what he has been doing at his school. It was a great time and at the same time not enough time. I personal enjoyed having Dave there since it was the first time meeting him in person, after years of online communication.
Our other big presenter was Gordon Kennedy and how curriculum mapping. This was a great wealth of information as I want to start this process at Holt Lutheran.
I got to meet some great people and great principals. The only time I felt a little uncomfortable was sitting in the fellowship hall playing euchre having a beer and sitting across the room is my first grade teacher, my second grade teacher and my high school principal. The late night fellowship around the campfire was priceless. Building those relationships with others outside of your 4 walls of a school is crucial. Just remember to stay away the 7th Hole and 3 Dogs!
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I think it’s great that as Lutheran educators you all convene to share in fellowship. Like you said, these are very crutial times. These are the times when you can really share with one another and become transperant. I hope you all enjoy many more of these times together and sharing.
Having taught in this district for 25 years, I can assure you that your assessment of the District is very accurate. Our District exec, Bruce Braun, is super, the teachers are fantastic, and yes – even you principals are “not a bad bunch”, LOL. Perhaps seeing your former teachers was a little uncomfortable, but coming from the “older bunch” generation, I can assure you that nothing makes us prouder than to see former students going into church work. I remember Dave Black when he was in 8th grade and now I look to him for help in certain areas of 21st Century Learning. (Proof that you CAN teach an “old dog, new tricks”). I am looking forward to hearing from our principal how we can continue to move forward as we prepare out students to live and work in the 21st Century. Teaching methods are constantly changing as we strive to prepare our students for an ever-changing world. But in this ever-changing world, we can rejoice in a changeless Christ. “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” (Heb. 13:4) What a blessing we as Lutheran educators have to share on a daily basis the good news of our salvation and the assurance of His never-changing love for us. May they also use that knowledge as they live their lives in Him. Blessings as you begin a new phase in your life of serving Him.
Goodness! Do you think I used the word “change” enough? LOL That’s what happens with posting this early in the morning.