Teaching (and Leading)'s a Dance

This morning, I was reflecting on all the opportunities I have had to learn.   I am sure I made some good choices, bad choices, and some that were just choices. This year, I have spent time learning from students and amazing professionals in my district, on Twitter, and at conferences.  There were opportunities to learn in all these situations.  My realization is the choices I make and the mindset I have, leads to what I learn. 

Everyday my students strive to teach me all day long.  My question is... Am I taking advantage of all  the opportunities they are offering? Or am I too busy teaching to realize I need to listen.  Sometimes, I need  to let them have the lead.  I need to talk less and empower them to learn? (Burkins & Yaris) Just as John Michael Montgomery sings in the video, Life is a Dance.  Teaching and leading is also a DANCE  and WE need to learn as we go.  Sometimes we need to lead and sometimes we need to follow. 

As I started the IMMOOC journey, I remember George Couros saying you will get out of this what you put into it.  I think this applies to all our learning opportunities. Teaching (and leading) is a dance and we learn as we go.