The other thing that happened at Deeper Learning 2015: I met some people from Spokane, Washington who were opening a charter school that would embody the methods and philosophies present at DL2015, High Tech High, and other places on the innovative edge of creative education.
On the day-long Deep Dive workshop day, I switched workshops. I felt that I hadn't signed up for the activity that was right for me, and showed up on the workshop where the attendees would work together to publish a book in one day. The instructor Randy Scherer of High Tech High Media Arts, welcomed myself and a few other additions. As he sorted out the groups, we talked among ourselves. I had finally figured out how to introduce myself, and when a guy named Matt asked me what brought me here I said, "I am a visual artist who I became a teaching artist, and then I became involved in arts integration--using the arts as a learning tool, which is incredibly similar to project-based learning. Right now I'm teaching art and finishing off a teaching credential program... and figuring out what's next"
Matt said that was fascinating. He was helping open a new school. They would have a building with white walls, and they "needed someone on board to use the school as a canvas and help make the it look like this." He waved his hands above his head at the intricate and beautiful bird silhouettes created by High Tech High students suspended from the ceiling. I said that sounds fascinating. He said I'd be crazy to leave Maui, though, but introduced me to Brenda who gave me a business card.
Around then, Randy called us together. "I've never made a book with a group in one day. " he said. "I don't know if it's going to work, but today, we're going to try." At that, I knew I was in the right place.
That night, I sent Brenda an email, asking if we could meet. I'd love to hear more about their school. She invited me to eat lunch with her as the conference wrapped up. It ended up being with her, and perhaps seven others: the team from Pride Prep that they had brought to DL2015. We talked, and shared. It was a job interview, of sorts, but there was no pressure, just an affirmation that we were incredibly on the same page, that their energies and mine worked, that I had puzzle pieces they were looking for. It felt like a family sitting around the table.
So, that was in April. Now, it's the end of August, and I live in Spokane. These people--and the others who subsequently joined Pride Prep--have become a family. We open a new middle school next week, and just like that day in the Deep Dive, I feel like I am exactly where I'm supposed to be.
Here is the book, available for purchase on amazon.com, that we successfully made in one day about the experiences of the conference.
Here is Matt Miller, who stopped to talk to me, being his brilliant self during a TEDx talk about redesigning education.
Here is our Pride Prep staff family (or most of them). This is when I visited in June. I knew these people were cool then. With days until the school opens, I am amazed and humbled by each of them. We are puzzle pieces that fit together; each person brings a unique set of skills to this experience. I am so incredibly excited to be a part of this group.
