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Tuesday, June 7, 2016

#CyberPD and Me


Thank you Two Writing Teachers for creating this space for me to share my corner of the world.


I have wanted to write this post for some time, so when Michelle Nero, Cathy Mere, and Laura Komos announced the title chosen for this summer's #CyberPD, I knew it was time.  I was not only excited about the book they chose because I already owned it, but also because I am in the book.

Here is my story...

It was the first week in August.  I was looking through my Twitter feed when I came across a tweet by Kate Roberts asking if anyone was in school yet who would be interested in piloting a lesson for a new book she was writing.

We were to start school the next day, so I tweeted her back saying I might be interested.  She asked for my email so she could explain what she was wanting.  After giving me a couple of days to settle in with my kids, she outlined what she needed me to do ~ teach a lesson, make an anchor chart, and have kids write.  Luckily for me, that's pretty much what I do.

After several emails back and forth, I taught the lesson, made the chart, took pictures of everything, and sent it off.  In every email I sent her, I always said, "If this isn't what you want, please let me know.  I will not be offended if it isn't."  I am sure Kate was tired of reading that, but I wanted to give her an opportunity to opt out if I totally bombed this!  But she was extremely helpful and gracious!

In the acknowledgments, Kate and Maggie say, "Deep gratitude goes to Leigh Anne Eck, our first brave Twitter contributor."  I laugh because it is easy being brave when you can hide behind the veil of social media. I consider myself to be a lucky Twitter contributor.  I asked Kate why they chose Twitter to find contributors.  She said some of it was timing, but also that they wanted to widen their community and wasn't sure how to do that.  Then realized they had a whole tribe to reach out to online.  I just happened to be the lucky tribe member that day!  

Check out page 40 and 41!
I also asked her why me?  Why someone who teaches in the middle of cornfields in southern Indiana when she knew so many other teachers in other prominent cities?  She said that they already had work from urban and suburban schools and liked the idea that I represented another kind of school.  They wanted to know that the work they were doing would work in most schools, and I helped them to see that.  
Who would have thought that one little tweet would have landed me in this book?  I know it is just a small part, but it certainly created some excitement in our school in this small little town.  And I am extremely grateful that they took a chance on us.

Almost a year ago, at the All Write conference in Warsaw, Indiana, I saw both Kate and Maggie present.  They are phenonimal educators, mentors, and presenters.  At that time, I did not know that two months later I was going to be asked to help them.  I regret not being brave enough to come from behind the veil of social media and meet them face to face.  

Kate and Maggie, hopefully I will get another chance to meet you some day soon.  I will no longer be hiding!

My student's writing!

21 comments:

  1. WOW! How cool to be part of this project! We were lucky enough to have Kate come to train Middle school teachers last summer and I think she is coming again this summer.

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  2. How cool is that?!? You are luck AND brave!

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  3. It's so awesome that you were able to be a part of this project! Congrats to you!

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  4. Congratulations. It's exciting to be included in someone's book

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  5. Leigh Anne, What fun to be in the book, You are always so modest. I am sure that your contribution was very valuable.

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  6. Lucky indeed. Thanks for sharing this fun story of your involvement with the book. I can't wait to buy it, especially now.

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  7. Lucky indeed. Thanks for sharing this fun story of your involvement with the book. I can't wait to buy it, especially now.

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  8. Leigh Anne, thanks for sharing this behind-the-scenes story with us. I read DIY Literacy when it first came out and recognized your name immediately! I wondered how that connection had been made.

    Kudos to you for being brave and reaching out!

    Will I see you at All Write in a couple of weeks?

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    1. Yes, I will be at All Write, but remember I have a tendency to hide!

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  9. Leigh Anne, first of all thank you for being one of the rocking edus who came on #NYEDChat last night. It was quite an hour of continued, fast-paced conversation. Second, how wonderful that you piloted a lesson for Kate and Maggie, whom I know. I have been looking forward to reading their book.

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  10. Wow, Leigh Anne, you are famous! I remember how excited I was when Kate Messner used my response in her book 59 Reasons to Write. I even made it into the index.
    I have loved Kate and Maggie's video series and look forward to getting the book. I'll look for you in it and say, "I know her!"

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  11. What a nifty story, Leigh Anne. I enjoyed your behind-the-curtain peek at how the whole process unfolded for you, from cyberspace to that tangible real estate on the page.

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  12. Looking forward to #cyberPD with you!

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  13. What a great story! I'll be looking for you at All-Write! I am so excited to be attending this year! At last!

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  14. So, so exciting! I'm looking forward to reading this book for #cyberpd this summer. Woohoo!!

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  15. That's so amazing! Way to go, Leigh Anne! I can't wait to see you again; my friend is in the book! Who would have thought that teachers from Indiana would get such a shot, right? (My name is in Who's Doing the Work, by Jan Burkins and Kim Yaris. My Voxer buddies!)

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  16. So cool! Thanks for sharing the story!
    You have to introduce yourself to them, they are so very kind. I spoke with them at ncte and loved getting the chance to talk to them.

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  17. Wow! That's is so amazing! Love to hear the story behind the story! Isn't it amazing how social media has just opened up so many doors and opportunities? One day WE will meet too!! Or perhaps you'll write a book and you can drop my name in it! 😉

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  18. Great post! I presented to a friend's grad class about my journey as a blogger last night. Not sure what they thought of it, but it was a good reflective journey for me. Finding our tribe - blogging has brought me to mine. I'm sad that I won't see you this year at All Write. Have a fabulous time! I'll be checking for posts and Tweets so I can keep up with the learning.

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  19. I guess that will teach you not to doubt yourself. :) Obviously you did a great job.

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