Habits are unconscious patterns of behavior that are acquired with frequent repetition. This eBook will look at what habits exist among innovative educators. While the conditions in education are not ideal for our disruptive educators, there are individuals working hard from within the system to create change. Whether you are looking to join them, better understand them, or you are one of them, this eBook is for you.
2. ContentsIDEABLENDING
• HABIT #1: THEY ARE IDEABLENDERS
• THE INNOVATIVE EDUCATOR’S BOOKSHELF
FEEDBACK
• HABIT #2: THEY ARE CONSTANTLY SEEKING FEEDBACK
• THE IDEA A-TEAM
• THE ‘YES-AND’ PRINCIPLE
FAILURE
• HABIT #3: THEY FAIL FAST AND FAIL FORWARD
• RAPID PROTOTYPING
• INNOVATION IS WORK RATHER THAN GENIUS
CURIOSITY
• HABIT #4: THEY ARE PASSIONATELY CURIOUS
• INNOVATIVE EDUCATORS TAKE VACATION DAYS
• SERENDIPITY
STUDENTS
• HABIT #5: THEY BELIEVE IN THEIR STUDENTS
• GIVING THEM A SEAT AT THE TABLE
CONCLUSION
MEET THE AUTHOR
Habits are unconscious patterns of behavior that are acquired with frequent repetition.
This eBook will look at what habits exist among innovative educators. While the
conditions in education are not ideal for our disruptive educators, there are individuals
working hard from within the system to create change. Whether you are looking to join
them, better understand them, or you are one of them, this eBook is for you.
3. Idea Blending is The art of blending
one’s personal expertise with
expertise in various disciplines to
create big ideas. #5Habits #EDchat
UCLICKHERETO
TWEETTHIS
1. They are idea blenders.
Innovative educators are like Warhol and
Picasso -- they steal ideas and concepts
from outside of their domain and find
ways to infuse those ideas into their
work. When faced with a problem, they
don't just look at what another teacher
does or how another school solved the
problem. Disruptive educators look to
Fast Company or the latest blog post
from Seth Godin to forage for solutions.
Idea blenders are using their expertise in
education and blending it with the
expertise outside our industry to create
solutions that challenge the status quo.
Join them: This Pinterest board has a
collection of brands, blogs, books and
more for the idea blending educator.
4. A cheap alternative form of professional
development is getting lost in a book outside
your discipline. During one winter break I read
Drive by Dan Pink, and I came back to work with
more ideas than I ever would have gotten from a
conference! Above are just a few great books to
add to your book shelf. Most of them I have also
used when teaching students about innovative
leadership. These books offer a wide range of
stories, case studies, research and perspectives.
If you have one you would add to the list, send
me a tweet and let me know!
IdeaBlending:Innovative
EducatorBookshelf
A few from my bookshelf...
5. Change agents in education are surrounded by a
supportive group of people that can and will give
them honest feedback. No one feels scared or
defensive in the exchange of feedback, because the
educator has been intentional in creating a trusting
environment where constructive criticism is
welcome. They know that ideas go from good to
great when shared with others. These individuals
are annoyed with "yes people," and much prefer
thought provoking constructive criticism. Feedback
is solicited from several facets of the educator's life.
They look to their students, spouse, boss,
colleagues, the twitterverse, and just about anyone
with an opinion willing to help improve their idea.
Join them: Here is a great blog post with more of a
discussion on and explanation of this habit.
This is my idea, how can
I make it better?
2. They aRE CONSTANTLY SEEKING FEEDBACK.
6. THE IDEA
A-TEAM
Every innovative educator has their Idea A-Team.
Perhaps they call them “their soundboard,” maybe
“their peeps,” it doesn’t matter. What matters, is
that this is the team of people that help them
process and flush out their ideas. They give
constructive, helpful and honest feedback. Most
ideas are introduced to the world half-baked, and
that’s why their Idea A-Team is so important. Here
is a little bit on the art and science behind creating
your own...
The Science: Your A-Team should kinda look like
the picture above. Stack the deck with people that
each possess a unique superpower. They should
come from different functional areas and don’t
forget to include students!
The Art: It is an art form to be able to engage these
folks. You will need to have an open mind, have
good listening skills and ask good clarifying
questions. If they think you don’t care what they
say, they will stop helping you. Also, people often
forget about the part where you update the A-Team
with how you implemented their feedback. Finish
the cycle by sharing your success with them and
letting them know how they contributed to that
success.
7. QuickTip
the ‘yes-and’
principle
Some of the best ideas get killed before they
even have room to breathe and grow. While
feedback is important, it is also important that
nay-saying early in the brainstorming stages
does not happen. That kind of feedback is not
helping anyone! One thing I have used with my
team, is using the “yes-and” principle from our
friends in improv theater in the early stages of
brainstorming. Instead of killing an idea on the
table, the team has to find a way to add to it.
This is how it might go...
Person 1: What if we had a band come in and
we did a charity concert?
Person 2: Yes and, we could try to see if
someone could do a brief presentation on the
charity before the concert.
This way, we are adding to ideas and not killing
them with things like, “that’ll never work here.”
It also forces us to be more creative because
we are trying to figure out a way to add on to
the idea on the table.
8. 3. They fail fast and fail forward.
"Failing" is normally a dirty word in education, but
not for disruptive educators. They know that failure
is an imperative part of the creative process.
Innovative educators are brave enough to try new
ideas in and outside of the classroom. They will
spend plenty of time standing up to critics and
pushing through the red tape just to try out their
ideas. This being said, it would be a travesty for
them to just quit when it doesn't work perfectly.
Disruptive educators are good at acknowledging
failure (see: honest feedback), and know when it's
time to pivot.
Join them: Here is some great advice, inspired by
toddlers on an ice rink, about failing fast and failing
forward.
9. Being right keeps you in place.
Being wrong forces you to
explore. #5Habits #Education
UCLICKHERETO
TWEETTHIS
big idea
try it out L
I
l
s
Rapid prototyping is often
used by our friends outside
of education. The tech and
start-up communities are
rockstars when it comes to
this process. However, this
approach to launching new
ideas and initiatives could be
really helpful in the education
space. A lot of the issues we
face when it comes to
launching new ideas are
related to the fear of failure.
When you change your
language to reflect concepts
like “beta-testing” or “rapid-
prototyping” it makes the
launch seem less
intimidating. The diagram to
the left illustrates just how
simple this process is.
“
RapidPrototyping
10. Innovation is work rather than genius.
Thomas Edison famously said, “genius is 1%
inspiration and 99% perspiration.” Innovative
educators are always producing. Being a
change agent requires you to actually
produce initiatives, programs and services for
students that create change in the
educational experience. When we haven’t
launched something new in a while it is very
possible that we are stuck in “analysis
paralysis.” When that happens you need to
find a way to either shrink your expectations
or change your perspective to find the
courage to launch. If you have to launch a
smaller prototype first to feel better, then do
it! Just remember, true innovation is all in the
outputs.
*Resource 99u.com
One of my FAVORITE blogs/websites is 99u.com. They always
have awesome articles, videos, and other highly visual content
about making ideas happen. It is geared more towards the
creative field, but put on your idea blending hat and check out all
their great advice!
reminder
11. “
Bet big on creative people, give them
enormous leeway and support, and provide
them with an environment where they can get
honest feedback from all.
4. They are passionately curious.
If you observe innovative educators in a
conversation with a student or a
colleague, you'll see how they become
hyper-focused and they ask lots of
questions. They are constantly learning.
This is also why they are idea blenders,
because their curiosity leads them into a
new web-design class or a subscription
to an entrepreneurship online magazine.
When faced with a problem, they don't
fumble, they investigate. They ask lots
of questions... really thoughtful
questions. This goes beyond a
commitment to lifelong learning, it is a
habit of always asking why, and then
taking the initiative to answer that
question. Often, this is why they also
love technology. It is because
technology presents them with a new
puzzle to figure out.
Join them: Here is a great listing of
MOOCs to check out. Also, visit
Eventbrite and look for classes or
conferences in your area. Remember to
look for classes that are outside the
EDU box.
12. QuickTip
Innovative Educators take Vacation DAYS!
We can’t rely on coming up with game changing ideas on
the fringe of our work day. The mind needs a break in order
for it to do the work of connecting concepts and ideas we
gather over time. Innovative educators struggle most with
this, but know that it’s so important to take vacation days.
If you manage people in your work, it is imperative that you
encourage them to take time off. In small doses, it is also
important to leave the office/classroom and go for a brief
walk every once in a while. If you want your people to be
game changers, then you need to give them time away
from the office/classroom/email inbox. The brain must shut
off and wander in order to come up with great ideas.
Another great strategy that we can borrow from our friends
at Google, is the 20% rule. At Google, employees are given
20% of their time to work on any project they want. Some
of Google’s greatest apps and ideas came out of 20% time.
Find a way to give your employees some percentage of
their work week to work on any project they want.
Obviously these projects should improve the experience of
students, or another shareholder like parents, colleagues,
etc. Build the bare bones parameters and then let your
people FREE! Your return on investment will be bigger than
you ever imagined.
46% of American workers
said they don’t check
email while on vacation.
13. Serendipity happens when
someone sets out in good faith
down one path and then that
path leads astray to a big idea or
a “happy accident.”
Innovative educators rely on
serendipity as a way to come up
with big ideas. Looking back on
many of the great innovators in
history, they all had one thing in
common, they had a lot of
hobbies. As our curiosity leads
us into new experiences and
new learning, and serendipity
allows for all those new ideas to
connect. It is important we give
our mind a break to be able to
connect the various different
concepts to create big ideas.
Serendipity
14. 5. They believe in their students.
Being a change agent in education is
probably one of the most difficult, thankless
and frustrating jobs out there. Our disruptive
educators are square pegs that constantly
feel like they are being jammed into a round
hole. When you study the commitment they
have for their work among all of the
challenges they face, it is very similar to the
commitment that an entrepreneur has for
their start-up. They are willing to pour their
blood, sweat and tears into each disruptive
initiative because they know that it will
ultimately improve the educational
experience for their students. It is so much
easier to be a complacent educator. Being
innovative takes a kind of persistence and
passion for their students that is
inextinguishable. Some people will mistake
their persistence for naive optimism, but
they know that if they just keep pushing
boundaries they will make a difference. This
is why they get up in the morning.
Join them: We all love our students, but
sometimes a reminder of our impact on their
potential is helpful. Check out these TEDx
youth speakers to be reminded of just how
important our job is.
15. A fundamental belief in
students is more important
than anything else. This
fundamental belief is not a
sentimental matter: It is a
very demanding matter of
realistically conceiving the
student where he or she is,
and at the same time
never losing sight of
where he or she can be.
16. Innovative educators are awesome about making
sure our students have a seat at the table. If there is
a committee to discuss important issues, events or
programs that affect students, they make sure that
students are on the committee. Sometimes we see
this attempted but not given much thought. If you
build a committee with all high level administrators,
deans, and faculty and throw two students on the
committee with no intentionality, you are not giving
them a seat. In that case, they are being used and
their time is just being wasted. Give students a seat
at the table, and encourage them to share their
feedback and ideas on the issue. Educate them on
the issue and coach them on how to best
communicate their thoughts and ideas throughout
the process. It is an excellent learning opportunity
for them, and will ensure student buy in on the
issue at hand. A true win-win!
Don’t tell me,
show me
how you care
about students.
Give them a seat at the table
It was intentional to use the word "habit"
when framing this eBook. We may all have
an example of times when we engaged in
some of the behaviors listed above. I would
challenge everyone, including myself, to
think about the definition of a habit (stated
in the very beginning of this eBook). How
frequent are you engaging in these
behaviors? Is it habitual in nature? Meaning,
are you doing these without even thinking
about it?
Would love to hear your thoughts on the
following as well: Would you add any
habits? What stories do you have about
being a disruptive educator? What other
resources would you share?
Send me an email or tweet and let me know!
inconclusion
17. coming soon
Starting in May 2014, the Five Habits of
Innovative Educators will be an online
course. Loaded with great content,
incredible guest speakers, and lots
more!
I want in!Receive an email when
registration is live.
18. Courtney O’Connell is a rising leader on the topic of
disruptive innovation. Her TEDx talk “Go All In on
Education,” and blogs on The Huffington Post
have provoked a national conversation about
innovation in education. She has extensive experience
building the digital capabilities of organizations in the
education and non-profit space. Courtney envisioned
and served as the project manager for the Big Ideas in
Higher Education Conference, and is one of co-
founders of the New Jersey state association for
Higher Education administrators. She was
acknowledged for her entrepreneurial approaches in
education as an inductee into the American College
Personnel Association’s prestigious Annuit Coeptis
honor society in 2011. This is quite an
accomplishment given that she was only 27 at the
time of being inducted. Courtney was also selected as
a 99u conference fellow in 2013. Currently, she is
working alongside best-selling author Erik Qualman as
Director of Business Design. She spearheaded Erik’s
Kickstarter campaign that garnered donations three
times the original fundraising goal. She recently
helped develop & publish the student focused book
What Happens in Vegas Stays on YouTube. Courtney
is determined to disrupt the current education system
in hopes of making education a more engaging and
meaningful experience for all students.
Speaking Topics: Here are just a few of the questions Courtney is answering for
her audiences when she delivers the following presentations.
Habits of Innovative Educators: How will habits of innovation help me to be 3x more innovative in my work with students?
What are the habits of innovative educators? How can I start utilizing these habits in my work?
Go All In on Education: Why is it so difficult to innovate the education system, and what are the disruptive solutions that
can create change and take us “all in” on education?
Digital Reputation/Personal Branding: How can I maximize digital tools to produce and protect my digital reputation?
What is my personal brand and how can I ensure my digital footprint reflects that brand?
Making Big Ideas Happen: What do the best change agents do to see their big ideas come to fruition, and what can I
start doing to make my big idea a reality?
Stop Apologizing (Women’s Leadership): What are the superpowers that women possess, and how are those traits
sometimes our kryptonite as well as a our superpowers? What can I do to leverage my strengths as a woman in the
workplace and in life?
Bullets to Beautiful (Slide Design/Creating Engaging Trainings): How can a non-graphic designer create beautiful and
engaging presentations? How do people learn, and how can I use that information to better engage my audience?
Diving in to Discomfort: Why do we struggle with pushing boundaries? What do we experience when we dare to dive in to
discomfort? How can we better position ourselves to take risks and maximize the new learning that occurs when we push
boundaries?
Using Twitter (Social Media) to Start a Movement: How can social media help you to influence change and disrupt an
industry? How can you take social media from a marketing tool to your organization’s secret weapon?
Courtney O’Connell
Disruptive Educator
LinkedIn Profile
Keynote Speaking Reel
Huffington Post Blogs
Socialnomics Blogs
Courtney’s Twitter
TEDx Talk (All in on EDU)
TEDx Talk (Motivation)
Courtney’s Website
Digital Footprint
About the author...