NWEA Spark Community

The foyer at the Marriott is quiet once again. Elements of Fusion 2012 are packed away, and attendees have boarded planes on their way back home to families. But, the impacts of this week will stay alive and active in the minds of these educators for quite some time.

There is something quite powerful that occurs when people band together with passionate determination to continue to improve, continue to find new ways and techniques to make sure every kid, in every classroom has the opportunity to learn and grow. I love this week!

There was amazing depth to the learning. But my favorite moments were simple truths that surfaced over and over throughout the conference - some of the most memorable for me:

I know when my teacher loves their job. And when they do, I love to learn, it makes it fun! – the kids’ from Kids Unplugged

The most important contributor to a child learning is knowing that their teacher cares about them. (as found by 3 years of research, with 10,000 kids in grades k-12) – Victoria Bernhardt

“Great teachers come from teacher imagination, not technology” – Dylan Wiliam

“No matter how modest your role, you must always be aware of the powerful influence you have on the lives of children.” – Thomas Guskey

I encourage you to reflect and share your memories and favorite moments from Fusion in the community. Be watching for pictures soon! And if you want a snapshot of what was discussed at Fusion, log in to twitter and read the tweets for #nweafusion.

You can also access Fusion sessions online, with slide decks prepared by the presenters.

THANK YOU to all of the partners who attended, contributed and engaged in Fusion 2012. YOU are what this is all about. Equipping you with new knowledge, community, tools, techniques, and inspiration so that you can carry the mission that all kids learn.

See you next year!
June 26th - 28th, 2013