2019 #OneWord: SPARK

As my Twitter feed has begun to fill with “one words” of focus for the year, I’ve quietly pondered what my word would be or if I would even choose one.  I’ve never been one for making New Year’s resolutions or at least keeping them, but I love the idea of choosing a word to focus on as a driving force for the year.  

​My 2018 word was “AMPLIFY”. Tonight I read a blog post I wrote a year ago, and was struck by this line, “I don't want to waste one single chance to make a difference; to amplify my impact!” This past year has been full of exciting opportunities and change.

I became a DBC, Inc author of my manifesto, Make Learning Magical.
I became a Tech Integration Specialist.
I accepted opportunities to share my story globally.

The word “amplify" truly was a focus of each decision I made. With each opportunity I asked myself, with this choice will I amplify my impact? Looking back, I am so glad I said “yes” to the opportunities that came my way because by doing so, I do feel that I took every chance I could to make a difference.

As I look forward to the year ahead, I wonder how 2018 could be topped. It truly was a year full of magic; one that I won’t ever forget. To have been given the opportunity to share my heart and passion for making learning magical with the world with a publishing company I highly respect; there are not enough words to express my gratitude. Additionally, leaving the culinary classroom to begin a new role as the first Tech Integration Specialist in my district, is an incredible honor that I don't take lightly! In this position I support K-12 teachers in 19 schools throughout our district in the integration of technology and innovation in their classrooms. Super exciting, but no easy feat! I knew that to ignite a flame for innovation in a district of 14,000 we would need sparks. I enlisted 1-2 educators, with the title of “Spark Starters”, from each of our 19 schools to be part of an Innovation Team.  I told them from the start that we don’t need an innovation team made up of the super tech savvy, we need:

The Sunshine Spreaders; spreading joy and positivity everywhere they go.
The Courageous; stepping out of their comfort zone without fear of failure.
The Encouragers; inspiring with courage, spirit, and confidence.
The Innovators; always seeking new and better ideas.

When you combine those qualities together, it ignites a spark that shines bright with enthusiasm and passion. As Bruce Springsteen says, “You can’t start a fire without a spark.” It’s true. We can have the techiest tools and most innovative ideas in the world, but the fire for innovation won’t start without a spark. The enthusiasm and passion that sparkly people radiate is contagious. It's not just felt, it's experienced. It's like magical pixie dust has been sprinkled and others want a part of the magic too.  It’s been amazing to see the sparks flying in our Medford schools and the joy and passion for teaching and learning beginning to spread. A fire is starting, and it’s a beautiful sight to see. As I continue to amplify my impact in my various roles as author, tech integration specialist, and educator, I want to be the starter of sparks. Which leads me to my 2019 word....{drum roll}....

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SPARK
Spark joy.
Spark courage.
Spark encouragement.
​Spark curiosity.
​Spark inspiration
Spark innovation.
A fire can’t start without a spark, and I want to help start a blazing fire!

Thanks, Bruce, for my 2019 anthem.... Dancing in the Dark.