Adam Bellow’s standing ovation came as no surprise to the thousands of teachers who connect with him on Twitter. His keynote took the audience on a journey of laughter and tears.
Though he no longer works with students every day, instead working on his latest adventure, Educlipper, it’s evident that Bellow cares deeply about making a difference in the lives of students and teachers. His references to those who have supported him in his journey remind us all to give credit to those who have inspired us. Steve Dembo, co-author of his latest book, and Kathy Schrock, an innovator way ahead of her time, were among those mentioned.
A hush fell over the house as Bellow shared about Sean, his student who died of brain cancer and SeanLivesOn, the project to raise money for cancer research. With playful jabs at himself, punctuating the serious moments, Bellow speedily moved through his witty and powerful images.
The following quotes highlight Adam Bellow’s key points:
- We should have an IEP for every learner: Individualize, don’t standardize.
- We should all be measuring ourselves and our growth based on who we want to become.
- Created, crafted work matters.
- Technology is the great equalizer, and our main purpose is to use it to help our students believe that what they do matters.
- There’s an army here of allies in social networks.
- Surround yourself with a PLN (professional learning network) where others don’t always agree with you. Get out of the echo chamber.
Bellow made a final call to action in his closing: Future generations need to know we believe in them. They have to be told that they can change the world.
Let your passion ignite the fire.
Adam's keynote starts at 21:38
