Revolutionizing Education 12 Weeks At A Time

Hello, Purposeful Educators!

?? Reflecting on Growth and Setting New Goals ??

As we approach the end of 2023, it's the perfect time to pause and reflect. I've been following the 12-week year approach, in this edition of Educate On Purpose Weekly, I'll look back at 2023, celebrating my achievements and learning from challenges. I'll also set my sights on the next 12 weeks, embracing the power of short-term goal-setting to bring about significant changes in our educational practices and personal development.

?? Embracing the 12-Week Year in Education ??

As we reflect on the year 2023, the 12-week year approach stands out as a game-changer in how we set and achieve our goals. This method, breaking down the year into four 12-week cycles, encourages a shift from the traditional annual goal-setting to a more focused, short-term approach. Here's a deeper look into how this can be applied in our educational practices:

• Redefining the Year: Instead of setting yearly goals, the 12-week year divides the year into four quarters, each with its own set of goals. This redefinition creates urgency and a 'deadline effect,' which often leads to increased productivity and focus.
• Setting Clear, Achievable Goals: In each 12-week cycle, goals are set with clarity and specificity. For educators, this could mean targeting specific student outcomes, implementing a new teaching strategy, or completing professional development courses. The key is to have challenging yet achievable goals within the 12-week timeframe.
• Planning and Execution: Once goals are set, the next step is detailed planning. This involves breaking down the goals into weekly and daily actions. For instance, if your goal is to integrate a new technology into your classroom, your weekly plans might include specific training sessions, lesson planning, and trial runs with students.
• Tracking Progress: Regularly reviewing progress is crucial in the 12-week year. This could be a weekly review of what was accomplished, what wasn’t, and what adjustments need to be made. This process ensures that you stay on track and make necessary changes to meet your goals.
• Reflecting and Adjusting: At the end of each 12-week cycle, reflection is essential. What worked well? What challenges did you face? How can you improve in the next cycle? This reflection feeds into the planning of your next set of goals.
• Accountability and Support: Having a support system or an accountability partner can significantly enhance the effectiveness of the 12-week year. Sharing your goals and progress with a colleague or a mentor can provide you with the necessary encouragement and feedback.

By implementing the 12-week year in education, we can bring a new level of intentionality and effectiveness to our professional growth and classroom practices. This approach not only helps in achieving specific goals but also fosters a mindset of continuous improvement and adaptability.

?? My 12-Week Achievements ??

My guiding principle has been my #oneword "intensify." This mantra has been the cornerstone of my decision-making and goal-setting throughout 2023, influencing both my personal and professional life. Let me share with you how this focus has manifested in my achievements over the 12-week cycles.

• Personal Wellness: Embracing 'intensify' led me to prioritize my personal wellness, which included mental wellness, nutrition, and fitness. I dedicated time to mindfulness practices, ensuring mental health was at the forefront. Nutrition-wise, I focused on making conscious, healthy choices, while my fitness regime was about intensifying my efforts for physical well-being. This holistic approach to wellness has not only improved my health but also positively impacted my energy and effectiveness.
• Professional Growth: In the professional realm, 'intensify' translated into a significant increase in my writing and visibility. I committed to sharing my insights and experiences more frequently and contributing to various educational platforms and forums. This effort was not about chasing numbers in terms of followers or subscribers. Instead, it was about building an authentic audience – educators and learners who are genuinely invested in their educational journey and find value in my services. This approach has allowed me to connect meaningfully with my audience, fostering a community of engaged and like-minded individuals.
• Understanding and Sharing AI in Education: Lastly, a major goal was to deepen my understanding of AI's impact on education and to help others do the same. I dedicated time to the latest research, tools, and trends in AI, translating these into accessible and practical knowledge for my peers. Through workshops, articles, and discussions, I've worked to demystify AI in education, helping educators integrate this powerful tool into their teaching in a way that enhances learning while respecting the human element of education.

Reflecting on these achievements, I see how 'intensify' has been more than just a word; it's been a catalyst for focused action and meaningful progress. It's led to a year of substantial growth, both personally and professionally, and I am excited to carry this momentum into the next 12-week cycle. I'll spend some time reflecting and contemplating my #oneword for 2024.

??? Your Year in Review and Goals Ahead ???

I invite you to share your own reflections on 2023 and your goals for the upcoming 12 weeks.

• What were your key achievements?
• What lessons did you learn?
• What are your aspirations for the next cycle?

Let's engage in a vibrant exchange of experiences and ambitions, supporting each other in our continuous journey of growth and development.

?? Planning for a Productive 12 Weeks ??

Join me for a series of engaging and informative workshops designed to enhance your teaching skills and integrate innovative tools into your classroom. Mark your calendars for these upcoming opportunities to meet ITF (in the flesh ??).

• FETC in OrlandoDigital Escape Rooms with Canva & Quizizz

Date & Time: January 23, 2024, 8:30 AM - 10:30 AM

Details: Dive into the world of digital escape rooms using Canva and Quizizz. Learn how to create immersive and interactive learning experiences that captivate your students.

• Fast Track to Engagement: Instant Lesson Creation with Curipod

Date & Time: January 23, 2024, 1:30 PM - 3:30 PM

Details: Discover the power of Curipod for instant lesson creation. This workshop will guide you through efficient lesson planning techniques using Curipod's AI tools, saving you time while enhancing student engagement.

• AI Got Your Back: AI Tools That Actually Improve Literacy

Date & Time: January 24, 2024, 8:00 AM - 10:00 AM

Details: Explore AI tools that are revolutionizing literacy education. Learn how these tools can support your teaching and provide personalized learning experiences for your students.

• TCEA in AustinAdobe Tools and Templates That Empower Creative Expression

Date & Time: February 7, 2024, 8:30 AM - 10:00 AM

Details: Unleash your students' creativity with Adobe tools and templates. This session focuses on empowering students to express themselves creatively and effectively in various digital formats.

Each workshop is designed to provide practical, hands-on experience with the latest educational tools and strategies. Don't be shy, come right up and say hello!

?? Tools for Amplifying Your Journey ??

As we embrace the spirit of 'intensify' and wrap up a year of transformative growth, here are some handpicked resources that have been instrumental in my journey. These tools and readings are curated to support your personal wellness, professional development, and understanding of AI in education:

?? Personal Wellness:

Book: "Atomic Habits" by James Clear – Offers practical strategies for forming good habits, breaking bad ones, and mastering the tiny behaviors that lead to remarkable results.

App: Headspace – A user-friendly meditation app that helps in cultivating mental wellness through mindfulness and guided meditation. Free for educators and students!

?? Professional Growth:

Book: "Everybody Writes" by Ann Handley – A go-to guide to attracting and retaining an audience through stellar writing.

Book: "The 12 Week Year" by Brian P. Moran and Michael Lennington – A transformative guide to shortening your execution cycle and achieving more in 12 weeks than most do in 12 months.

Platform: Medium – An excellent platform for educators to share their insights, connect with a broader audience, and enhance their writing visibility.

?? General Productivity:

Book: "Steal Like an Artist" by Austin Kleon – A refreshing take on creativity and inspiration, encouraging you to embrace your influences and rework them into something of your own.

Tool: Slack – A versatile project management tool that can help in organizing both personal and professional tasks efficiently.

Podcast: "The Tim Ferriss Show" – Features interviews with top performers from various fields, offering insights into their routines and strategies for success.

These resources have not only supported my goals in the realms of personal wellness and professional growth but have also deepened my understanding of AI in education. I hope they will be as beneficial for you as they have been for me.

?? Embrace Your Next 12 Weeks ??

As we close this edition, I encourage you to embrace the 12-week year concept for the upcoming cycle. Reflect on your past year, set ambitious yet achievable goals, and step into the next 12 weeks with determination and optimism. Together, let's make each cycle a step towards greater success and fulfillment in our roles as educators and lifelong learners.