Tolerance and Flexibility are hugely important for the 21st Century Educator, in a world that is so rapidly changing and evolving, with knowledge growing exponentially - they are vital.

It is interesting that we are identifying these as key for 21st Century learners, but they are no less valid or important for the 20th century teacher too. One only has to think of our own students, to realise how flexible we have to be to handle with care and consideration the teenage angst.

I like the partnership with our students, that sits well with me, but as teachers as the director or conductor of the learning band we have to have the outcomes and goals in mind.

Passionate learners - a day where you don’t learn something is a day wasted.

Nice reply thanks for that

Andrew

And I agree–I wonder what schools of education (in general) are doing to support new teachers in this sort of model. But I think it’s also important as new teachers enter our own buildings, that we provide enough scaffolding and modeling for them that they feel supported in this kind of role. We tend to resort to the “way we were taught” when hurried or unprepared, and new teachers have a lot on their plates, generally.

Kim, loved your questions–
“I wonder if thinking of our teachers as learners too will enable us to better meet their needs (as tech facilitators/coordinators)?” and this one –”I wonder if we all think of ourselves as learners would enable us to have a wide perspective, have huge tolerance and be able to adapt, manipulate, evaluate and create?”

I think tolerance and flexibility are such important qualities for us to have. And I do think leadership on a campus has a great role in creating a safe, creative environment where teachers feel very supported in taking risks, and being flexible.

I also have been exploring this idea of cocreating curriculum WITH our students instead of planning the curriculum and then covering it. I think an approach that is more of a partnership, like Robert Fried talks about in “The Passionate Learner” is intriguing in how it changes the structure of the classroom.

Thanks again for outlining this model!

Perhaps (I say perhaps because I am conflicted) - perhaps I learned from my students (who were now preservice teachers) that a great teacher in the 21st century may not necessarily have to leverage 21st century tools, but he or she still needs these other characteristics (i.e. adaptive, collaborative, visionary, etc.), albeit in a different way.

So I agree that we need leaders - but leaders in all creative aspects of great teaching.

One final thought. Where would you fit patience, resilience, and acceptance into your model? With all of the non-academic, social issues that teachers face, sometimes these come to the forefront. Is the 21st Century teacher everything to everyone? Do we (society) expect them to be?

http://edorigami.wikispaces.com/21st+Century+Teacher

The wide perspective is a comment shared by a colleague of Mine - Rod Fee - who suggested phrased it as the inter-disciplinarian or the integrator. A wide perspective is very necessary. I felt this would be an addition to the visionary - the ability to look at multiple subject areas and links them - cross curricula approach.

Adapt, evaluate and create - the higher ends of Bloom’s taxonomy are inherent in teaching and as both you and Sheryl pointed out are part of the 21st century learner, which 21st century educators should be.

I do like and think there is value in reflection it could be part of the model. We encourage our students to be reflective, do we “walk the talk”.
Leadership is I think another whole criteria, that I have neglected. The leader is crucial, whether its a champion or the quiet facilitator supporting and coaching, leadership is vital.

Great comments, thanks

A