Yesterday, George Couros posted “3 More Critical Questions for the Innovative Educator” The second question, “How can we be innovative given the constraints that we have to work within?” resonated with me and reminded me of my reading from this summer.
I’m a digital learning coach for an organization that services over 100 schools districts. Recently, we have reorganized to better serve our district. I believe in the change, and the purpose behind the change. But, as a part of the change, several processes and procedures have come down the pike that are making me feel boxed in, constrained.
George’s question reminded me of one of my favorite lines from Launch by John Spencer and A.J. Juliani :
So, I’m reminded that it is time to “Think Inside the Box. Yes, things are changing, and some of those changes might not even be for the best. But, I can still innovate. I can do something new, something better for kids. Even this “change is an opportunity to do something amazing.”
So, what will I do, you ask? Well, I don’t know yet. These are ideas:
- Get to know people in my new work area. Learn from them. Honor their genius by posting their nuggets of wisdom? Invite them to #IMMOOC.
- Set up a professional Instagram account to reach out and learn, to be where our students are, where are young teachers are.
- Create some micro-learning units that we can share with districts and use with our coaching?
Tracie G Cain 
Love these ideas, Tracie! Thanks for sharing what you will do and setting an example of how you can make a difference and try new things within the given constraints.
Best,
Katie
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