EduCon 2.2 First Reflection - The Kids

Who I am: Chris Lehmann

What I do: Principal of the Science Leadership Academy in Philadelphia, PA (Opening 9/06).

What I did: Technology Coordinator / English Teacher / Girls Basketball Coach / Ultimate Coach at the Beacon School, a fantastic progressive public high school in Manhattan.

Email: chris [at] practicaltheory [dot] org.

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Comments

Gary Stager about New Year... New Challenges... New Goals... New Excitement
Tue, 31.08.2010 05:14
I may have linked to the
wrong Merrow article -
http://takingnote.learnin
gmatters.tv/?p=4433

Gary Stager about New Year... New Challenges... New Goals... New Excitement
Tue, 31.08.2010 05:05
Dear Chris:

We've had this discussion
privately, so I hope you
don't mind that I involve
the [...]

Julie Strong about New Year... New Challenges... New Goals... New Excitement
Mon, 30.08.2010 13:35
I'll be curious to see
how #5 evolves. In
independent schools we
rarely lack for parent
[...]

dcollins about New Year... New Challenges... New Goals... New Excitement
Sat, 28.08.2010 07:32
Those are great things to
look forward to! At my
alternative school, I'm
looking forward to seeing
[...]

Andrew Marcinek about New Year... New Challenges... New Goals... New Excitement
Sat, 28.08.2010 06:42
I am sure it will be very
weird vibe without your
original class in the
building, but now you
have [...]

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< Educon 2.2 - Looking Forward and Looking Back | EduCon 2.2 Reflections - What Do You Think? >

Sunday, January 31. 2010

EduCon 2.2 First Reflection - The Kids

I'm trying to make sense of this weekend... and obviously, I'm incredibly close to EduCon (and more than a little tired), but I had to get at least this much out.

The weekend was incredible. On the most basic level, the best part of the conference was watching SLA students and parents run every logistical aspect the conference... not just 10 A students, but over 100 students working together to make the entire weekend amazing.

SLA students were presenters / facilitators in several sessions, and they were participants in many more. They worked tirelessly to make the live broadcast work. (And they were at school for hours after the sessions on Saturday rendering video.) They were docents for some of the panelists. And of course, they had the chance to have a personal session (or three) with Jeff Han as he worked with them on "the wall."

I admit, if part of TFA's strategy is to have their alumni go into policy, I hope that, no matter what fields SLA alumni go into some day, that they all somehow keep a hand in education, as active parents, as school board members, and some as teachers, I hope. It is amazing to me to see students start with pride in their school experience and use that as a springboard to care deeply and speak powerfully about education.

Thank you to all the SLA students. I am so proud and so humbled by your work.

Posted by Chris Lehmann in SLA at 21:35 | Comments (11) | Trackbacks (0)

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With so many ways to reflect, Chris, I am deeply impressed that you started with what matters most: the students. Indeed!

#1 Christian Long (Link) on 2010-01-31 21:45 (Reply)

I'll echo Christian's sentiment and add that I was thoroughly impressed with all of the students this weekend. It was clear that they were all completely invested in not only Educon but the school and the community within its walls. From the ninth grader who led my tour on Friday morning to the numerous students tirelessly running cables and errands, every one showed pride and dedication. Well done.

#2 Gerald Aungst (Link) on 2010-01-31 22:45 (Reply)

Mark Carls was there and came home saying, "You have to go next year!" I was already planning on it, along with one of our elementary teachers. So when is registration for 2011 Chris?

#3 Kimberly Moritz (Link) on 2010-02-01 07:28 (Reply)

The SLA students were definitely a high point. They were incredibly helpful and accommodating which was lovely. But what Jeff and I really loved was how delightfully curious, collaborative, and supportive they were. A special shout out to Jesse and Levon for their endless enthusiasm and inspiration.

#4 toby (Link) on 2010-02-01 09:56 (Reply)

Chris,

Thanks again for a terrific Educon.

I was meaning to send you a note, but will do so here.

I am NEVER surprised or amazed when kids of any age do something well. As my colleagues in Reggio Emilia, Italy have taught us for decades, children ARE competent and the first citizens.

That said, your (SLA) kids are really nice. That's hardly a revelation, but a statement of fact.

I know you share my desire to create collegiality between all of the members of the school community. You've achieved that.

SLA practices common sense, all to uncommon these days, and creates an atmosphere free from needless adult vs. child antagonism. Our society will be the better for that.

#5 Gary Stager (Link) on 2010-02-01 12:22 (Reply)

Chris,

Glad to see your first EduCon 2.2 post was about your kids. What an incredible group of hard working and caring students. Whenever they refer to your school they say "we".

Our team of 8 teachers were blown away. It will take me several days to reflect before I can even blog about it.

But i know this, as a school admin, who works with great kids all of the time, your students genuinely reflect the caring community that is SLA. And thanks to you and your teachers, their future is blindingly bright!

Thanks for this incredible learning and sharing experience. Can't wait for 2.3.

#6 Ed Allen (Link) on 2010-02-01 12:43 (Reply)

Chris,
This post is a clear example of why SLA kids are the way you describe. As principal you set the tone and it shows.

Thank you for a fabulous conference and for your willingness to share such a wonderful school.

#7 Jenny (Link) on 2010-02-01 18:11 (Reply)

I caught some girls in the bathroom at the end of the day Saturday and overheard this, "I had only volunteered for the morning, but I'm still here. I guess I have no life." She paused and said, "Well actually, I guess being here is my life." I said, "You are very lucky." She said, "I know."

#8 Lisa Nielsen (Link) on 2010-02-01 20:30 (Reply)

I also love the way that many of the SLA kids were not afraid to add their thoughts to the discussions going on in the rooms they were working. They seem to understand that, at it's core, EduCon is about them, and kids like them in schools back in whatever locations we traveled from.

Thanks for being the ring leader for such a great experience and I hope you got the snow day you deserve today.

#9 Tim (Link) on 2010-02-03 10:06 (Reply)

Thank you, it's very brilliant article about this topic it might be very polite for students.
Recently i needed resume. To my adroitest surprise, resume was desirable the price I paid for it.

#10 vkKerry (Link) on 2010-02-05 05:36 (Reply)

totally the ticket to changing it.. thank you for modeling it... for empowering them...

#11 monika (Link) on 2010-02-12 17:52 (Reply)

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Sunday, January 31. 2010

EduCon 2.2 First Reflection - The Kids

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