Friends, I've been busy.
Busy tutoring. Busy attending weddings. Busy reading YA novels. Busy snuggling my dog. Busy harvesting cherry tomatoes and basil from my fledgling garden. Busy setting up my classroom.
But mostly, I've been busy applying to the GTA - the Google Teacher Academy. From the GTA:
The GTA is a FREE professional development experience designed to help primary and secondary educators from around the globe get the most from innovative technologies. Produced by CUE, each Academy is an intensive, two-day event during which participants get hands-on experience with Google's free products and other technologies, learn about innovative instructional strategies, receive resources to share with colleagues, and immerse themselves in a supportive community of educators making impact.
I've talked myself out of applying to the GTA for the last two years. I had a myriad of excuses. I didn't know how to make a video. I didn't think I used enough technology in my classroom. I didn't think the technology that I did use was all that spectacular. I didn't think I had much of anything to offer - who really wants to hear anything this twenty-something teacher who just got tenure has to say about innovation and learning?
And then I realized: I have a lot to say about innovation and learning. And my age doesn't really matter. And the fact that I haven't been teaching very long doesn't really matter. In fact, the only thing that does matter is that I am crazy passionate about technology in education and want to learning every single thing that I can cram into my brain (and then some).
So, on July 29 I sent in my application, crossed my fingers, and figured that even if I didn't get in, it would be a great learning experience to even go through the application process.
And yesterday, at 4pm, I GOT IN! 500+ applicants, 50 selected to attend, myself included. I am blown away and so, so, SO honored to be part of a truly incredible group of educators (you can find about half of us so far on Twitter here).
I have plenty more to say, but I find myself kind of at a loss for words, so for now I'll leave you with my application video. Enjoy.
Megan
That's so exciting! Congrats!
ReplyDeleteDon't you wish we had Google Apps back we were in school? Kids these days have so many new tools for learning!
And THANK YOU for teaching our youth Google Apps. When you are done, can you please schedule some lessons for my coworkers ;)
Congratulations!! Your students are so lucky to have a teacher who wants to help them learn in as many ways as possible. I loved your video. I can't believe how much school as changed since I graduated (not so many!) years ago. Have a fantastic time at GTA!
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