The Age of Creativity is Upon us

Over the years the shape of the American workforce has adapted to the changes and needs of society in order to flourish. It starts with the Agricultural Age, moving to the Industrial Age, and most recently the Information Age. The people who made up most of the workers were known as the middle class.

It is now believed that we are currently entering  a new era referred to by some as the Creative Age. This new age of worker focuses on using creativity, visual arts and music to ensure job security. These new types of workers would be utilized for their creative ways of thinking by coming up with "outside the box" ideas. These ideas would solve problems or innovate brand new ideas into society. 

As an educator this posses a bit of a problem. The American public classroom really hasn't change much over that last 100 year. Yes, there have been upgrades in technology and of course improved best practices in instruction but the format really hasn't changed. Teach, assess the students have gained knowledge and move on (of course sprinkle some RtI in there).

Before you throw your tomatoes, I also fully understand that governments have led us to an assessment heavy education world where creativity easily takes a back seat to assessment. We, as teachers and administrators must recognize this new creative trend in reality and help are students be prepared for jobs that haven't even been created yet!  

My urge is not for you to completely change your teaching habits, forget the tests and buy a 100lbs of Legos (that would be awesome though). It is to supplement your students just a little bit with this thought in mind. Any educator who loves their job, does it for one reason. The MONEY$$$!! Juuuust kidding...

We do it because we love kids. We want students to achieve far more than they thought they would. We are the ones who believe in them even if no one else does. So, let's give them give them an even better future. One that NONE of us know details about but we know is coming, fast, and it's going to be awesome. 

Here are a few links of resources that can help you supplement your students future one new idea at a time:

Ted Ed  

Stem Ed coalition 

Creative Education Foundation  

Education Innovation      

Ed Tech 

EduMatch   

Ed Tech Magazine 
He's The Weird Teacher

Stress Management

It is interesting to see how people manage stress. When someone is in a stressed out, you can see them in their purest form. There is typically no show or cover up, just pure emotion.

In the last week or so I've been able to experience people (students, teachers and other humans) in this raw state.

I've seen people cry, yell, go silent, laugh, deflect. (It's really been a world wind week) this really got me thinking... "How do I act when I'm stressed?"    Better yet.. "How am I perceived?" I'm sure if you asked my students they could give you a detailed description. There would probably be some physical example and some reminiscing. They know me well. 

Furthermore, I was led to ask myself how does me being stressed out negatively impact students? I think I may ask them tomorrow!! Unfortunately, stress is inevitable or Buuuuut, maybe if we can keep our students and our classroom environments in mind, we can manage our stress in a way that doesn't effect education. 

Those situations also helped me realize that people really do think about their own reactions to stress. (Maybe it's just me)