If you’re a music lover, you probably have heard of Lollapalooza, the annual music festival featuring dozens of bands and a chance to see a diverse range of artists in one setting. If you’re a comic collector, you may be aware of the hundreds of conventions that occur throughout the nation, bringing in artists and media celebrities. There is something special about getting a large group of people together who have a common passion or interest and providing the opportunities to meet with their favorite heroes. There’s a magic in the air when people are connecting with complete strangers over a common interest and sharing excitement as they meet with their musical or comic idols.
As an educator, I feel that same excitement when I go to a conference and get to connect with like minded educators and meet educational authors or speakers. The problem is that educational conferences often only have one “celebrity” as a keynote or closing speaker. I have a vision for an educational event that looks more like a rock concert than a traditional conference. I have a dream of dozens of Ed Celebrities in the same venue and Ed books and materials displayed like t-shirts at a concert. A true carnival atmosphere of people celebrating and meeting with their Ed heroes!
I picture George Couros on stage rocking out with Innovation, Dave & Shelley Burgess sailing with their Pirate Band, Sean Gaillard channeling his Peppermint Mindset and Mark Barnes and his Hacking Educators crew. I envision Tony Sinanis & Joe Sanfelippo talking about Leadership, Allyson Apsey navigating people on the Path to Serendipity and Bethany Hill showing the way to Lead Positive. Todd Nesloney & Adam Welcome would be reminding us that “Kids Deserve It”, Jennifer Hogan & Craig Vroom would be blasting out their blogs, Alice Keeler would be the Guru of Google, and Doug Robertson would be sharing out the benefits of being a “Weird” Teacher!
If you know these educators, then you understand why I have them on my must see list. If you don’t know them, give them a follow on Twitter and experience the great energy and wisdom they have to share! There are so many more education rock stars that could be featured and the list should be as diverse as possible to reach the needs of a diverse audience. The venue is limited only by imagination. But here’s the deal, this doesn’t have to be an imaginary venue. What is preventing us from creating an Edupalooza? My guess is the creators of the first Lollapalooza heard things like, “This could never happen“. I’m sure the organizers of the early comic conventions could never have dreamed the size and glamour of the world famous San Diego Comic Con. It simply took someone with a vision and people ready to take a chance. Edupalooza may become a reality someday, but right now it is just a dream. But don’t all great events begin as a dream?
“A dream doesn’t become reality through magic; it takes sweat, determination and hard work.” – Colin Powell
“All our dreams can come true, if we have the courage to pursue them.” – Walt Disney
“A dream you dream alone is only a dream. A dream you dream together is reality.” – Yoko Ono
Know Your Why!
- Monday, October 30: Student of the Month Assembly (Responsibility) 9:05 AM, Principals Advisory Committee at CO 9:30-11:30 AM
- Tuesday, October 31: Parent Meeting for K.H. (Williams & Achievement Team) 8:15 AM, Halloween Costume Parade 3:20 PM
- Thursday, November 2: Staff Meeting 8:05 AM
- Monday, November 6: Celebrate Monday Assembly (Grit) 9:05 AM
- Tuesday, November 7: No Students / District PD day (Agenda coming soon)
- Wednesday, November 8: Elementary Principals Meeting 1:00-4:30 PM, PTA Board Meeting in the conference room 2:30 PM
- Thursday, November 9: Staff Meeting 8:05 AM, Barnes & Noble Book Fair 5:30-7:30 PM
The Spark of Learning 