Will Gourley

Blogger, Brainstormer, Change agent, Christian, Connector, Educator/Teacher, Parent, World traveler

...creating engaging brain based learning environments for learners of all ages. Philosophy instruction for K-12 students, genius hour time, differentiated instruction and equity for all.

Education is on the front lines of a constant and epic battle between mediocrity and limitless potential. It is infinitely more than names and dates in a textbook. Education is empowering learners to always ask how and why instead of who, what, when and where. Remember no child in grade 1 ever dreams of living on the street, or of being an addict, or of having to flee from home because of war/persecution. Every child has a right to a future that is free from oppression, anxiety, and tyranny. Compassion, kindness, and education are the keys to ensuring these things do not happen and they start in the classrooms where we are privileged to serve as educators.

Adapting and immersing myself into other cultures, Becoming irrelevant to my learners, edification, education, Encouragement, Mentorship, Speaker coaching, Youth empowerment

It started out innocuously enough via WIMP.com where I found a video from Sir Ken Robinson on Changing Education Paradigms. It was pretty much brain love at first sight. The RSA animated version of this monumental TED Talk and its message resonates in all aspects of my teaching life. And then I saw How Schools Kill Creativity via RSA, then TED, and the disruption was complete. In my spare time I started to figure out ways how to incorporate the wisdom of TED Talks into my instructional day at school. First it was with grade 8 students using French subtitles because I was supposed to be teaching in French (thanks for the language options). With new Talks to choose from accessible at the push of some buttons, TED has become a teaching partner in my pedagogy. With the advent of TED-Ed Clubs I was privileged to take part in this pilot project with my students whose hearts and minds reveal how completely they are prepared to cast and share their ideas that will change our world.

...making tie dyes, writing non-traditional Haikus and making chicken and dumpling soup from scratch.