Before we go forward, we must step backward.

Picture it: Back to school teachers institute. It's hot, stupid hot for August, and you're cooling off with your comrades in moderately AC'd gym of Jefferson Middle School in Villa Park, Illinois. Okay, maybe you're not at Jefferson, but I know that any teacher or administrator can relate to that first back to school professional development day.

Everyone is eager with the anticipation that a new school year brings. You chat with your friends, say hello to the colleagues and friends you haven't seen in three months. Finally, you settle in with your school group, to be inspired, lifted, and energized for the new year.

The Superintendent, Dr. Tony Palmisano, warms everyone up with both a heartwarming and sometimes shocking video montage. Squeaked in the montage are glimpses of futuristic classrooms. 

YOU HAVE MY ATTENTION.

"Welcome back....indiscriminate talk....EPCOT grant." My ears perked up, and I tuned in to learned about the Experimental Prototype Classroom of Tomorrow. Personalized learning, technology, classroom redesign, innovation. This is definitely my idea of an ideal classroom, and it helps that my team and I are already 1:1 and working on personalized learning. Next step, wait for the grant application to be released.




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