As a classroom teacher–and a deep-ender–I find myself always looking for ways to improve the way I teach.  This requires me to do some research and stay abreast of some of the latest techniques and tools.  And, as a technophile, I remember being particularly excited when I heard the term “21st Century Skills” for first time some years ago.  It reeks of laptop computers, interactive whiteboards, and education out of a futuristic sci-fi movie.

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This past summer, I enjoyed watching my 6-year-old explore the community swimming pool. When he was younger, he wouldn’t leave the 2-foot-deep section because he couldn’t touch the bottom, but last year he finally gained the confidence to float and swim in the area where he can’t stand up.  It was a significant moment for him, and for me.  He traded safety and familiarity for freedom and exploration, and I saw in him my own goals as a teacher.

Despite frequent opportunities and the inherent rewards associated with it, very few of my fellow teachers are willing to leave the shallow end of the pool when it comes to their profession.  Too many are accustomed to the comfort of staying within their classroom, continuing to teach the way that they always have, and communicating only with other like-minded teachers.  For those who work at this level, the world is small and everyone is a master teacher; and our vocation will not move forward until we can convince many more teachers to “cross the rope” and explore the rest of the pool. Read more »