Daniel Pink in Person. Pinch Me.

My soul is on fire again.

Yesterday, I had the pleasure of seeing my very favorite author in person - Daniel Pink.  You might remember him from my blog posts here and here.  I adore his last three books and literally could read his book Drive over and over again.  Have you read Drive?  Treat yourself; trust me.

I was this close to him during his talk.

Although I had heard most of what he spoke about online - I especially like this RSA Animate video of him - it was still amazing to see him speak in person.  He is so bright, clever, creative and packs a zesty sense of humor.  I can't believe I just described any part of his style as zesty.

Help me.

Three things made my soul ablaze:

1. I publicly asked Pink which books or writers he would suggest for parents and grandparents to read.  Guess what?   He said anything by Alfie Kohn.  Check.  (remember my blog post here and here about Alfie).  A writer I am not familiar with Amanda Ripley.  And (drum roll, please), Mindset by Dr. Carol Dweck.  Remember my blog post here from two weeks ago?  In fact, Pink said, not to buy his books and only buy Mindset and read it.  "It's that good."  At that point, I just about fainted as it validates everything I've been thinking and doing since November.
2. You know when you sit by someone and strike up a conversation and that chance conversation literally changes your life.  The guy next to me did not know it, but the brilliant things he said to me will not stop playing and replaying in my mind.  I'd love to share them right now, but a) I'm still mulling them over in the most deepest way and b) my family is wondering when I will be off this computer.  Thus, more on that chance encounter another day.  I love those gifts from the universe.
3. This event was co-supported by System Source, an IT company.  System Source splurged and bought Drive books for each one of the attendees.  Since Lil O's teacher next year is a Daniel Pink fan, too, I asked Pink to sign the free book for her.  Isn't that a fun teachery surprise - an autographed Daniel Pink book?  Lil O will deliver it tomorrow.

OK, I said I would get off this computer in ten minutes and my ten is up.

With a blazing soul and I really have so much more to write,

Jen

PS - This fantastic graphic-recorder person, Kelly Kingman, sketched out Daniel Pink's talk as he was talking! Do you see the photo all the way up above?  Isn't her work amazing?  Like learning eye-candy.  I'd love to have her sketch one of my classes or the keynote I just gave.  Ahhhhh.....

Alfie Kohn and Progressive Education

If you've been an Upcycled Education reader for a while, you know I adore Alfie Kohn as evidenced by this post here.

Why, you ask?  Just look at his passion.  It exudes from every cell of his body.

The City Neighbors Foundation Progressive Education Summit, Baltimore, MD 2013

Further, Alfie (if I may be so informal) is brilliant, well-read, timely, and unafraid.  When he speaks, his statements eloquently fly from his mouth and make history on the spot.  Case in point:  Professor KP's favorite quote from a recent City Neighbors Foundation Progressive Education Summit we attended.

What?  Alfie, did you just say something that powerful and meaningful?  Are you talking to me?

Well, almost.  Look at how close Professor KP and I were to Alfie at the Summit.

The entire audience could feel his passion and energy.  Even Amy and her husband from HOPE agreed and were wowed.

Alfie spoke mostly about progressive schools.  In progressive schools, students partake in not only hands-on learning, but minds-on learning.  Progressive schools tend to be project- and inquiry-based, extremely collaborative and community-connected, and take great care in educating the whole child.  Of course, progressive teachers need to teach differently. I love this quote from Alfie as it speaks to the role of a progressive teacher. And yes, this quote flew from his mouth like pure magic.

If you haven't familiarized yourself with Alfie and his work, visit his website here.  Then, do yourself a favor and read one of his books.  My personal favorite is his parenting book, Unconditional Parenting. It 100% applies to teaching, too!

All the best,

Jen

PS - Big thank you to Amy from HOPE for spotting the summit and sharing it with me.  Another big thank you to the City Neighbors Foundation for putting on such an inspiring event.  And one last thank you to my date, Professor KP.  

PSS - I wanted to leave you with one more amazing, Alfie quote....