The Head Won't Go Where the Heart Hasn't Been (EDLD 5304)

As a high school mathematics teacher, more specifically 9th grade, this year has been extremely challenging. The majority of my 9th graders have not be in a physical classroom for two years, which takes them back to elementary school. They completely missed the ever so important middle school transition that.

Although the change I am looking to promote is based around blended learning. The change that keeps coming to my head, particularly during Sinek's video, is how are we going to change, as educators, to account for this? Kotter speaks of the need for urgency, which I think is one of my main components that my organization disregarded this year. Instead of establishing norms and expectations early on school-wide, the take in stride method allowed students too much flexibility.

As discussed he "why" behind any sort of change must be established first, and I think my "why" surrounding blending learning comes naturally following the push for differentiated instruction in addition to the virtual learning environment we were forced into over the past few years. Our world of education is at a vulnerable stage and we must take advantage of that.

Targeting the mind is natural and surface level, and frankly, easier. Targeting the heart requires time and thought. When moving towards change, the desire must start with us. If I am pushing blended learning, I have to show my passion and truly believe it's purpose. In my opinion, if a why statement is presented and created appropriately, then the urgency should follow continuing with the old ways will almost seems like a waste of time. Relating to my innovation plan specifically, one of the main reasons I am pushing for blended learning now is due to how education has looked over the last several years surrounding COVID-19.