What's your vibe?

I spent Saturday at my first EdCamp.  It was an amazing experience that was unlike any PD I've ever been part of.  Several friends of mine have asked me how it was and what it was like. I had a hard time explaining it because I just can’t seem to put it into words.  After pondering the experience all weekend, I realized that EdCamp is all about the “vibe”.  It’s hard to explain, but when you’re there, you’re inspired, empowered and engaged in a way that doesn't compare to “normal” PD.  It’s almost as if EdCamp is a mindset; a state of being in which you are free from “the system” as you know it and are able to envision education for what it’s really all about---STUDENTS!  What a concept!

After the vibe of EdCamp sank in, I started thinking about my vibe.  Many of us have been asked the famous interview question, “Talk about your philosophy on education.” (I could go on and on about Vygotsky and Zone of Proximal Development, but I’ll spare you.) Many of us have also been asked to write a mission statement.  But, have you ever thought about your vibe.  I haven’t, but this weekend I started to. 

What’s my vibe?  What feeling do others get when they’re around me?  When I speak about education, what do I really say?  What do my actions say about me as an educator?  How am I perceived by students, staff and parents?  What is my vibe?

I don’t think a vibe can clearly be put into words, but if it could, I hope that my vibe includes these:

Student centered

Growth mindset

Risk-taker

Collaborator

Optimist

Change agent

Learner

Doer

Fearless

Passionate

Willing

On a quest

When people meet you they won’t automatically know what your philosophy or mission statement is. But, they will "get your vibe" and I have come to realize that the vibe is much more important.  

What’s your “vibe”?