This week I was honored to travel to Canada with four of my colleagues. We went to learn not only pedagogy, and technology implementation, but also authentic community engagement and harnessing the power of students.
Ian, Seth and Finn Fogarty were our wonderful hosts. On Sunday, we went sightseeing and observed the natural beauty and simple power of nature. Visiting Hopewell Rocks left me with a sense of wonder and awe. In just a few hours the landscape had completely transformed. The quaint town of Alma was filled with fishing boats, hospitality, and lobsters, many, many lobsters. Cape Enrage was well worth the drive. Although the lighthouse and surrounding area was closed, the area was alive with magic. The low ropes course allowed us to stretch our legs and challenged our strength. New Brunswick is a providence that is filled with picturesque surroundings and friendly countrymen. It is easy to lose time. 
On Monday, I was able to achieve an academic goal: visit Ian Fogarty’s collaborative classroom. A few years ago, Ian and I co-presented on a SMART Webinar. I immediately knew, he was one educator who could push my thinking, teach and inspire me. We were able to spend the morning watching Ian work. With five SMART Boards in one room, his students were engaged, on task and motivated. After a ridiculously delicious lunch, we were able to debrief with Ian, and his co-teacher. The discussion was rife with questions, innovative ideas and hope. It was fitting that the day ended at the Fogarty household. We were lucky enough to meet Trish Fogarty and enjoy a meal she had carefully carried and a homemade apple pie. The Fogartys are quality people that are fun and quite simply, delightful. My biggest take away was how to best help students realize their potential. That the technology is truly irrelevant, but technology used with a caring, innovative teacher is crucial.
Tuesday we woke up early and headed to Miramichi (or the chi as the locals might say). We met with Joey Savoy and his amazing team. Throughout the day we visited three different schools and one donut shop and were blown away at each stop. From morning announcements to visiting the star troopers, to joining a Skype with an orphanage in Uganda, this district was on fire. Students, teachers, and community members were all equally invested in education. My biggest take away from this district was community involvement and students engaged in authentic learning.
Our world wind trip was packed full. Little sleep was had. In the end, sleep did not matter. Laughter, learning, beauty, hospitality, generosity and inspiration were in abundance. And that did matter-in fact-that changes everything!