Reflecting on 2023, my journey through the educational landscape has been enriching and transformative. My commitment to nurturing physical and mental well-being has been a cornerstone in driving innovation and effectiveness in my work. From embracing daily learning and curiosity, which opened new doors, to celebrating both minor and major milestones, this year has been a testament to the power of capacity building and the joy of seeing its ripple effect across departments. The connections forged globally have reinforced the idea that capacity building is not just an individual endeavor but a collective journey. The integration of AI in education has been a focal point, emphasizing the need for content knowledge and digital literacy to navigate future educational landscapes. My approach to instructional coaching, prioritizing strategies over systems, has been reinforced by ongoing coaching and aligned professional development, enhancing overall teacher and school capacity.
The experiences this year, from successful collaborations to learning from setbacks, have underscored the importance of sustainable practices and efficient, effective, and enjoyable teacher support. My role as a facilitator in implementing new systems has been a blend of patience and persistence, complemented by a newfound depth of IT knowledge. Witnessing the graduation of my first doctoral student was a highlight, showcasing the impact of dedicated mentorship. The motivation derived from working with incredible educators and students every day cannot be overstated. Adult education’s transformative role in communities has been particularly inspiring, witnessing tangible life changes in individuals. As we look forward to 2024, the focus remains on expanding my outreach through blogs, podcasts, and book projects. The completion of the AmpGlobalEdu series and new ventures in co-teaching and instructional coaching books mark the upcoming milestones. This journey of continuous learning and contribution to the field of education is one I eagerly anticipate continuing in the new year.
ONEWORD2024 and Overarching Goals for the Year
My #oneword2024 is EMPOWER. I want to empower others and myself in my life to make local and global IMPACT. With this said my primary goals in 2024 are all related to building systems, strategies, and supports using research-based strategies and EdTech to nurture and create sustainable and effective learning environments for teachers and students. Whether that’s in my capacities as an EdTech integrationist, university professor, author, and consultant, this will be my theme and goal throughout 2024.
Now, let’s jump into what I’ve learned this year, a reviewing of blog posts, podcat episodes, and book publications.
What I Learned This Year
Many things stand out from 2023! It’s ultimately too many things to discuss in depth. But, I believe these statements relate directly to large themes and insights of my learning from this year. Many of these build upon themselves from previous years – yet manifested and were evident in all of the various niches of education where I have my hands in throughout the year.
- Your overall health – physical and mental health makes such a difference in the work you do.
- Learning and being curious each day leads to more opportunities.
- Building capacity takes time – celebrate the small and big wins.
- The connections and relationships I build each day locally and globally.
- Capacity building is contagious – seeing departments utilize strategies and tools you’ve supported them with is such an enjoyable experience.
- Ongoing coaching and aligned PD builds capacity for teachers and schools.
- AI is only going to get better so we need to work as hard as we can to amplify its use in our work and systems.
- Importance of content knowledge for students and AI and Digital literacy. We must focus on this as we navigate the future
- Instructional coaching should focus on the strategies first before systems. Provide feedback and follow back up on that feedback.
- Onboarding of educators is essential and needs to be done well – new and seasoned teachers are critical to retention and sustainability
- Sometimes collaborations don’t go the way you want – but more opportunities may lie ahead when one does not work out.
- Focus teacher feedback on sustainable practices and take things off teachers’ plates to make their work more efficient, effective, and enjoyable.
- Being a point guard when working with a number of parties to set up a new system requires patience and persistence.
- I learned A LOT of IT backend knowledge related to integrating APIs, syncing data, and matching data, and how these integrations work together to support student equity and access when using our digital tools.
- It was fantastic to see my first doctoral student graduate with their doctorate! What a journey and how grateful I was to help coach and mentor this student throughout the process.
- I work with awesome teachers, school leaders, university professors, and students! They motivate me every day!
- Adult education and the impact it makes in our communities – seeing students move forward in their lives in work, education, and even their own citizenship. We see lives changed in a matter of months, which I do not believe we see in K-12 or Higher Education.
Where I am Going with My Publications in 2024
2024 will be a year where I will continue to focus on posting blogs and podcasts. My goal will be to work on publishing my blogs and articles in various online periodicals like ISTE, ASCD, Edutopia, and various academic journals.
2024 will be a year where at least two book projects will likely be released with a third book project taking shaping. The last book of the AmpGlobalEdu series is almost complete as it is being finalized by the publisher, which will be on supporting diverse learning needs using research-based strategies and EdTech. Following this project. I have been partnering with Dr. Belinda Karge on a Co-Teaching book that focuses on co-teaching in modern classroom settings. We are in the writing and editorial phase now with hopes of a release later in 2024. Last, I am working on an instructional coaching book that encompasses three key facets of modern-day teaching and learning, cognitive science, AI, and EdTech.
Key Publications that Demonstrate My Learning Journey from 2023
Let’s jump into publications from this year that demonstrate these insights and the amazing educators I was able to encounter to learn from. Check them out as I am sure there’s one or more posts that relates to your work in education. Additionally, two books that came out this past year in the #AmpGlobalEdu family of books are also fantastic choices as well to have on your book shelf in 2024.
Key Blogposts
What a year for blog post publications! This year’s blog posts on matthewrhoads.com have been a treasure trove of educational insights from this past year all related to what I am experiencing in my work in education. Topics ranged from the controversial idea of banning phones in K-12 schools to exploring the best AI tools for enhancing teaching practices. Posts covered instructional strategies for cutting out irrelevant information, amplifying STEAM in the AI era, and the global impact of student inquiry in robotics and computer science. High-impact instructional strategies, data-driven decision-making, and adult education’s role in an AI-driven future were discussed in depth. The foundational skills required in the AI world, the importance of instructional design, and AI literacy were also highlighted. Additionally, the blog delved into the educator’s “why,” the buzz around ChatGPT, and celebrated the release of a new book focused on authentic learning in reading, writing, and mathematics.
- Using Generative AI to Support Teachers Planning Workflow and Content Creation to Google Apps and Learning Management Systems
- Why We Should Ban Phones in K-12 Schools: A Changed Perspective
- The Best AI Tools (so far) to Improve Teacher Planning, Assessment, Instruction, and Feedback
- Help Teachers Cut Out Irrelevant Information in Their Lessons As An Instructional Coach
- Amplifying Science, Technology, Art, and Mathematics (STEAM) in the World of AI
- #AmpGlobalEdu – Amplifying Student Inquiry in Robotics, Computer Science, and STEAM is Now Here!
- 10 High-Impact Instructional Strategies Instructional Leaders and Coaches Can Support Teachers With That Make a Huge Difference in Student Learning
- Data-Driven Decision Making in Classrooms and Schools is Easier Than Ever Before with GPT-4 Code Interpreter
- A Huge Opportunity for Adult Education: Preparing and Navigating an AI-Driven Future
- Foundational Skills and Lifelong Learning are Key in a World of AI
- Adult Education Should Not Be the Best Kept Secret in Town: What is Adult Education and Why Every Educator Should Know About It
- Instructional Design is the Foundation of Learning
- Artificial Intelligence Literacy – Understanding AI and Its Implications for Teaching, Learning, and the World
- My Why Behind All I Do: An Educator’s WHY
- What’s All the Talk about ChatGPT?
- New Book Release! Amplify Learning: A Global Collaborative – Amplifying Authentic Learning in Reading, Writing, and Mathematics
Podcast Episodes
2023 has been a remarkable year on the Navigating Education – The Podcast, marked by diverse and impactful conversations. Season 3 kicked off with a deep dive into Artificial Intelligence in education, featuring insights from Alfonso Mendoza. Dr. Scott Petri then illuminated the use of Eduprotocols in Social Studies, followed by Nick Deforest discussing leadership in international school athletics. Dr. Casey Jakubowski brought a unique perspective with HEARTs in Education, and Episode 70 celebrated a milestone with “Instruction Without Boundaries.” The role of libraries and informal learning environments was explored with Dr. Zachiary Stier, while Dr. Illene Winokur delved into the theme of belonging in education. Elliot Felix shared strategies for maximizing college experiences, and the series concluded with Priten Shah discussing AI’s role in teacher workflow and planning. Each episode offered invaluable insights for educators navigating the complex landscape of modern education. Check out all of the podcast episodes on Spotify and my podcast page.
- Season 3: Episode 66 – Navigating Artificial Intelligence in Education with Alfonso Mendoza
- Season 3: Episode 67 – Eduprotocols in Social Studies with Dr. Scott Petri
- Season 3 Episode 68 – International School Leadership and Athletics with Nick Deforest
- Season 3: Episode 69 – HEARTs in Education with Dr. Casey Jakubowski
- Season 3: Episode 70 – Instruction Without Boundaries
- Season 3: Episode 71 – Libraries and Informal Learning Environments with Dr. Zachiary Stier
- Season 3: Episode 72 – Belonging in Education with Dr. Illene Winokur
- Season 3: Episode 72 – Belonging in Education with Dr. Illene Winokur
- Season 3: Episode 73 – Getting the Most Out of College with Elliot Felix
- Season 3: Episode 74 – AI and Teacher Workflow and Planning with Priten Shah
Publications from 2023
Coming Soon in 2024 – Book Publications
- Amplify Learning: A Global Collaborative – Amplifying Diverse Learning Needs with EduMatch Publishing
- An untitled book on Co-Teaching in the Modern World with Solution Tree
Navigating the Present and Future of Education 
Great reflection on 2023 and anticipation for 2024! Your insights resonate well. Excited for what lies ahead. For academic excellence in the coming year, consider Do My Assignment for reliable Assessment Help.
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