Paying It Forward In WA
I have a confession to make. I never feel like I am giving back enough to the community, people, and schools that have helped me to do what I love.
In many of my talks to educators, I ask them how much are they giving back to the web community they have taken so much from? In a recent article, the estimation is only 10% of educators actually produce content openly and freely for others to take. Yet pretty much every teacher I know uses the web as a critical source in gathering information and resources to teach their students.
I for one feel guilty.
So I try to give back as much as I can. But no matter how many books I give away, how many educators and students use the Ninja Program, the lesson plans I create, or just the ideas spread on this blog, I know it is not enough. I still take way more than I give.
Being back living in Washington State where I grew up, where I took from the public education system so freely my education, I figured it is time to give something back to the State as well.
So for the year 2013, I will consult, visit, present, or just have conversations with any school, public or private in the State of Washington for whatever they can afford. Pay my mileage in the car and give me a place to sleep if need be and I am all yours. No standard fees, no hidden costs. I just want to give back, have conversations, and help where I can.
I have no idea how many schools will take me up on my offer, but the offer is out there.
If you are a school in the State of Washington and you would like me to come visit, please get in touch with me via this contact form and we will try and find a time that works for all of us.
It is time to pay it forward in Washington State
We do indeed take more than we give and I think this idea is a wonderful way to give to the community around you. What a treat for schools in Washington State!
If there are schools in Washington State who are looking into working with Jeff, I (and I’m sure all of my fellow COETAILers agree) would highly recommend you take this opportunity to grow as a school.
Jonathan and I are putting our heads together. What a great offer! (And, you are so right that we take way more than we give. This will be something I will be keeping in mind.) We’ll see who we might be able to connect you with.
This is an amazing offer from you, Jeff! Let us know if you want to extend it to international schools…
I made a web app called Mr. Paul’s Classroom – it’s a tool parents and teachers can use to help children learn numbers, letters and basic words. I’ve used it in my classroom for years and it really works! I had thought about trying to make money from it – you’re inspiring me to make it available for free!
“Pay it Forward” is one of my favorite sayings. It’s one I teach to my kids, and one I use with my service learning groups. What a generous offer. Looking forward to what you have to say in Shanghai.
I live in Liverpool England and we are beginning to teach the children the concept of global audience to encourage sharing and communication through blogging which in time for that generation will lead to many other things. We used the dance craze Harlem Shake to experiment with sharing on the internet, how far and wide information travels, how people communicate and the power it has
have a look.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nuOBwz177pM