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One Word 2023

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2014  --  Stretch 2015  --  Step Back 2016  --  Release 2017  --  Risk 2018 --  Open 2019 -- Steady 2020 -- Believe 2021 -- Breathe   2022 -- Be 2023 -- Become Somehow I have started the last few years with "B's"! Now at all on purpose, but a little fun to review.  Last year, my pastor challenged us to have a verse, thought to drive and a statement to go with our word. I will continue to do this for my words and this year it goes as follows: Become Phil 3:9 "and become one with him. I no longer count on my own righteousness through obeying the law; rather, I become righteous through faith in Christ. For God's way of making us right with himself depends on faith." I will become more one with Christ through faith in gaining knowledge and understanding. *Growing my relationship with him *Serving *Giving *Connecting I will become all that Christ has created/called me to be. *Chazown* 
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One Word 2022

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 One Words from the years:      2014  --  Stretch      2015  --  Step Back      2016  --  Release      2017  --  Risk      2018 --  Open      2019 -- Steady      2020 -- Believe     2021 -- Breathe And the 2022 One Word is….. As I’ve been thinking about my 2022 word, the one that has stood out to me is “be”. I just need to be.  Be patient, be steady, be confident…be me. To be present in the moment. Be mindful. Be.
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A new dream, but still technically speaking

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The end of the 2020-2021 schools year—April brought an interview and ultimately two offers of employment.  Neither position in education.  This was the first time in YEARS considering positions outside of education. I’d had my “dream” position.  I’d achieved a lot in my educational career… Apple Teacher Google for Education Certified Trainer ISTE Certified Educator Making IT Happen Leader Award Winner Google for Education Innovator And I chose a position that wasn’t with a school/district.  There have been times I’ve wondered if I was letting down those achievements by making the change out of education. Even the bio I’ve used for years, didn’t seem to fit any longer. A huge part of who I am/was - was tied to education. I love my new position! Love it…yet, I still have a few lingering thoughts of where I now belong now within the educational community.  But I’ve realized I will always have a place and belong...just in new ways/levels. I will always have a heart and passion for educatio
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One Word 2021

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 One Words from the years:      2014  --  Stretch      2015  --  Step Back      2016  --  Release      2017  --  Risk      2018 --  Open      2019 --  Steady      2020 -- Believe 2021.....
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1 year home

And a little bit past (the year). I really can't believe that over a year ago I was in NYC attending the Innovator academy. It has been quite a year! We encountered obstacles that no one would have for seen -- seriously a pandemic?! COVID really challenged all within education. For me, I experienced a sense of being overwhelmed, helpless, unprepared, and ill equipped. I haven't admitted that out loud before now. I was a tech leader...but I was overwhelmed with the sudden and drastic changes being thrown at us all. And I didn't want to admin that. I'm very thankful for my fellow Innovators and the support system they provide. Sometimes being the lead within a district- you can feel alone. Which interesting enough is really the issue that my project was trying to address (this just hit me). My project is still in development. And I'm good with that. It is hard not to have a completed project. The group had a showcase of projects that I decided to "sit out"..
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9 months home

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 Well, we will say around 9 months home. It’s actually closer to 11. In fact, we’ve celebrated one year post our acceptance and invitation to the academy! One year from learning our teams. It doesn’t seem possible! The year long journey is nearing its end. It hasn’t been the easiest with COVID-19 mixed in. We’ve had extended deadlines and all the other emotions of the times. Today I’m feeling a bit nostalgic and enjoying looking back at the process and journey. Remembering the people and time we had together in NYC. My folder is out in front of me... And I’m full of wonder still. How did I get into this group? This group of 42 from 100,’s applying? Will my project be something? Will it be something special and useable?  And how do I get it where it needs to be? I have some amazing supporting players.  My coach and mentor - Desiree Alexander My friend and initial database builder - Adam Geisen My brother - Mark Smerchek, who is helping me take the project further and truly own it My Pow
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6 Months Home

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I've been asking this a lot lately, but "Where has the time gone?" Six months ago (plus a little) -- in October 2019, I was in NYC at the Google Innovator Academy. SIX MONTHS ago.  Now I could talk about how different the world is now, but for the focus of today's blog I'll keep the focus on the academy itself. The academy. I honestly can't keep from smiling when I mention it. Wearing my shirts associated with the academy make me feel connected, stronger, and able to do more. My team and cohort are an amazing source of resources, innovation, strength, and smiles. Part of the academy and Google Innovator process is the innovator project. You can visit the past reflections in this blog to give you more of a background. However, here we are at the six month checkin for our Innovator journeys! And actually, this was slotted to have been last month. However, do to COVID-19 we have been given some extensions. So the 6/7 month checkin was completed
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