In October, I first dipped my toes into the Web 2.0 world by beginning this blog. Even though my audience is firmly entrenched near the far right-hand side of the long tail. But I am not necessarily writing for an audience. Instead, I write for myself as a way to allow some of the idea fragments which are bouncing around in my head an opportunity interact, and combine with each other. It allows me a chance to reflect on both my personal and professional practice, celebrate failures, and acknowledge successes.

In part because of what I have learned previously about the sheer act of writing to promote thinking, I began to advocate for others in our school, both teachers and students, to participate in this practice. At the time five years ago, not many people saw the value that I did.

But now, in the summer of 2011, I think that we either have achieved or are close to a tipping point. Over the past two years, students in our Contemporary World Religions course have blogged as a way to deal with their relationship with the material and their own spirituality. Our French students blog to gain better practice with their language. This summer, more teachers have created blogs to share their summer experiences.

So I would like to point you to each of the teacher’s summer blogs. Connect with their reflections. And if it moves you, comment and connect with them.

North Shore Country Day Athletics (http://raiderathletics.blogspot.com/) – Don’t let the title fool you, this blog, written by our athletic director covers many aspects of teaching and learning, both kinesthetic and academic. I have particularly like the reflections of his own learning journey.

Ms Specht’s Asia Trip (http://msspechtsasiatrip.blogspot.com/) Enjoy the travels of our 8th Grade Humanities teacher to southeast Asia as part of a Fulbright Fellowship

Ceil’s Escritos (http://ceilscanlan.blogspot.com/) Enjoy the adventures of one of our Upper School Learning Specialists as she travels to Nicaragua in a Spanish immersion

Broadway Bound! (http://machollbroadwaybound.blogspot.com/) Enjoy the reflections of our Upper School Drama teacher as she participates in an acting workshop in NYC

North Shore in St. Malo (http://nsinstmalo.blogspot.com/) The blog of two of our Upper School French teachers who took a group of students to St. Malo and Paris.

Sometimes, when we cultivate new ideas, we are too impatient. But given the right conditions and encouragement, it is fun to watch (and read) as teachers learn and grow.