10 Ways #EdTech Coaches Can Make An Impact - HoET125

Feedback, Shoutouts, and Links

• Congratulations to the podcast for turning 5 years old! The 1st episode of House of #EdTech was published on January 5, 2014!
• 12 Days of PodcastPD 2018
• Suzi Cafran (@SuziCafran) is the winner of the EduMagic book by author and former guest, Dr. Sam Fecich

#EdTech Thought

Do you remember your #OneWord2018? Did you choose one to guide you in all you do in the classroom and out of the classroom?

Back in episode 101, I put out the call to you to share your one word for 2018. My OW for 2018 was FLOW and that was discussed in episode 21 of PodcastPD.

Are you choosing OW for 2019? What’s the purpose of your word? I again find myself wondering if it’s worth it to choose a word and what the true purpose is. Perhaps the whole idea can’t be simplified into one word. Think about all the words we know and all the characteristics that play a role in who we all are. You’re a complex individual as am I. Maybe it should be #OneIdeal2018. An ideal could certainly be more than a word but capture an entire idea and essence about who you and I will be here in 2019.

What ideal do you want to guide you? Do you want to be a better teacher? better souse? a better friend? better sibling? Where do you see yourself 12 months from now? Where do you want to be 12 months from now?
I am going to be working on a number of things both professionally and personally.

#EdTech Recommendation

• https://www.strawpoll.me/
• The place to create instant, real-time polls for free.

Featured Content

• Self Doubt, Yes I have!
• Are you an edtech coach that’s wondered if you’re actually making an impact?
• Reaching enough teachers and students?
• Communicating enough with admin?
• Does what you do have any value after you’ve left a classroom or concluded a PD session?

Sometimes these questions are self-imposed, but sometimes the questions come from other people. I’m going to share some tips and advice to reaffirm your place as an edtech coach.

1. Become a trailblazer.

• One of the best ways to make an impact is by breaking ground with new ideas, spearheading new concepts, and originating new proposals. Be a trailblazer–don’t be afraid to make your own tracks. Work to always be the person who can offer a creative solution or a solid Plan B. Be resourceful enough to do a lot with a little, which is often what we all do in education.

2. Keep people informed.

• No one likes chasing people or information. Do everyone a favor and update them often. People often think they should wait to communicate when a task is finished or they have specific information. When you let people know what’s happening–even if it means saying you don’t know. A simple status update can buy a lot of peace of mind.

3. Be the go-to person.

• Become the person other people count on. Few things make a bigger impression. Don’t work to become a person of success but a person of value. If you’re always seeking to be on the cutting edge you will bring more to the table each day. I’m not even a formal tech coach but everyone in my school knows I’m the Tech Guy.

4. Become a forecaster.

• Keep your thinking a step ahead of the rest. If people at your school are worried about today’s problems, think about tomorrow’s solutions. Don’t wait for things reactively; instead, be responsive to issues and trends before there’s a problem. It comes down to paying attention to the people and problems you’re dealing with and noticing patterns or potential pitfalls. We’ve all had moments when we know we could have done more. Long before you get to that moment, come up with a plan and set it in motion.

5. Have the confidence to speak up.

• Have you ever sat in a meeting where there were only two people doing all the talking? If you want to make an impact, be willing to speak up and speak out. You’re at the table or in that meeting so share what you know and let others know how you can be supportive and helpful. Leaders are never silent in meetings.

6. Do things without being asked.

• Never ask, “Is there anything I can do?” Just look around and find something useful to do. Making an impact means seeing what needs to get done and taking the initiative to make sure it happens. Try to do something every day that no one asked you to do.

7. Be a great listener.

• Most people think that making an impact is all about what you say and do. Often overlooked is another important way you can leave your mark–by becoming a great listener. Pay attention to what people say. Listen to understand and focus on the speaker instead of thinking ahead to your reply. And sometimes people aren’t looking for an answer but they just need someone to listen to them.

8. Go the extra mile.

• Above all, you have to do your job and do it with excellence. But that’s where most people stop–and that means you can make an impact by going further and being more helpful, more supportive, more valuable. The extra mile is never crowded.

9. Have a positive mindset.

• Whether you’re just starting out in your first year as a tech coach or you are leading a team of your own, remember that people gravitate toward those who have a positive attitude. It’s the person who takes on every task–even the most tedious–with enthusiasm and joy who truly stands out. If you view everything through a negative lens then you’re likely to have a negative mindset, but if you cultivate a positive attitude it will take you much farther.

10. Take the lead.

• Everyone has the choice to be a leader, to make an impact, and leave their mark. Too many people back off from taking the lead in the mistaken belief that leadership and greatness are reserved for a select few. But in during my time as an educator, I have witnessed that the only way people give away their power is by thinking they don’t have any. If you take it upon yourself to lead with the idea of serving others, you will not only stand out but you will also leave a strong and lasting impression.

House of #EdTech VIP

Kammas Kersch – Google Certified Ed | Apple Teacher | FlipGrid Ambassador | EdTech Blogger | Flipped Classroom | CompSci & Chemistry Teacher

Kammas is a chemistry and computer science teacher at a small, Catholic high school in Wilmington, DE. As a technology lover, she is very fortunate to teach in a 1:1 iPad school. Kammas loves providing her students with unique opportunities to learn more in and out of the classroom. She regularly coordinates and leads training for colleagues on tech topics and helped implement their current LMS.

Connect with Kammas Kersch:

• Twitter: @KammasKersch
• Website: http://www.talesofatechyteacher.com/