For those of you who have attended #EdCampMSP you might have noticed Tom and I running around in bowling shirts. The reason is simple, if you need to find one of us - look for the bowling shirts. But why? At the first EdCamp we attedned we couldn't find the organizers and we felt it was important to make sure attendees could find us at ours. Although since we have been doing this for 6 years, we have a few others who wear bowling shirts and I thought it would be fun to quickly introduce them to you all.

Tom and I have always felt a bowling shirt as a way to say thank you for the time and effort these individuals have put in to the event. Our first recipients were Laurie and Jasen, these two worked for hours to plan our first and second EdCampMSP in 2012. Kris and Shanna, served as our Site Chairs in 2013, 2014, and 2015, and they both put in HOURS to make sure that we could literally show up and everything was taken care of. In 2015 we honored Donna, Karla, and Tricia for their longtime help at EdCampMSP. Some years, this one included, we have kept the bowling shirt recipient a secret.

The only thing we ask is, if you see one of these people at EdCampMSP on Saturday, thank them for their support in making this day a reality. Also cheer really loud when our recipient get's theirs this year - the reason is pretty amazing.

In previous posts, I have mentioned that EdCampMSP 2016 will offer two different flavors of learning. Here is how the day is designed. 

Morning Session
In the morning we will meet and open the traditional Open Space session. Participants will create a schedule around their specific interests and needs. We will wrap up the morning session with a flipgrid recap of what we learned and who we are going to stay connected to.

Afternoon Session
After a break for lunch, we will reassemble and open the afternoon Skills session. Just like we did in the morning, we will create a schedule around our specific interests and needs with the outcome of making something we can use on Monday. An exciting component of the afternoon is an opportunity to collaborate with local EdTech companies to incorporate their tools into our teaching and students learning.

In his Edutopia post The Warm Demander: An Equity Approach, Matt Alexander shares Lisa Delpit's description of the Warm Demander teacher. One who "expect's a great deal of their students, convinces them of their own brilliance, and helps them to reach their potential in a disciplined and structured environment."

Embrace Failure
Alexander also shares a four-part framework used at his school, the June Jordan School for Equity. The fourth part is Embracing Failure. He emphasizes that "for failure to result in learning, it must happen in a safe environment, with guidance from someone like a warm demander teacher."

EdCampMSP = Warm, Demanding Learning
When you attend EdCampMSP on Saturday, October 1st, you will be in the company of warm demanders. EdCampers expect a great deal from themselves and embrace the opportunity to become a trusted mentor to others.

Skills Time
The afternoon is an opportunity to work together to change things up. You will have time to create new content using powerful pedagogies and tools alongside experienced teachers and product ambassadors and evangelists that can be used the next Monday. 

Spread the word
EdCampMSP | Saturday, October 1st | Minneapolis North Loop | Registration

David Cutler in his Edutopia post How to Become and Remain a Transformational Teacher shares advice on staying committed to continued professional development.

Share Best Practices
"No matter how long you've been in the classroom, there will always be someone else who's more effective at a certain facet of teaching." I've been teaching for over 30 years. It took me 20 years to realize I will never know everything and be the best at all things. Today I enjoy meeting and learning from my colleagues who are willing to share their strengths and passions.

Find a Trusted Mentor
"No matter the subject, I value hearing fresh perspectives from new and veteran teachers about becoming even better at my job. Nobody has a monopoly on good ideas." Sadly, in most schools, teaching continues to be an individual activity. Yes, we have PLC's, department meetings, and data teams, but the majority of the time we are alone with our students. My most memorable and powerful teaching moments were those that involved collaborating with another teacher. 

Change Things Up
"It's certainly easier to teach the same books and content each year, but it's also incredibly boring, which can lead to burnout."
Routines and rituals may be important when establishing classroom norms and procedures, but content and learning activities should change to reflect student's culture and experience. This can be very challenging for teachers who are always short of time.

EdCampMSP = Transformational Teaching
When you attend EdCampMSP on Saturday, October 1st, you will have the opportunity to share best practices, find a trusted mentor, and change things up in your classroom. The day includes the traditional edcamp format in the morning where participants meet and create the agenda based on their needs and passions. The afternoon is an opportunity to work together to change things up. You will have time to create new content and learning that can be used the next Monday.

Spread the word
EdCampMSP | Saturday, October 1st | Minneapolis North Loop | Registration