Sparking Joy: Lessons from ISTE and Life

Steph, joy is complicated.

A former student recently reached out to share a book of poetry he's been writing. His work, like him, is chock-full of humor. At times, it teeters on the edge and embraces vulnerability. His story and journey in this world are captured in this complicated story stitched together with care. Talking to him about his work was such an honor, and through our conversation, he's reminded me that joy in a world riddled with woes is complicated but perhaps is more important than ever. 

His writing held a quiet reminder of this lesson on joy that I didn’t realize I needed. As I reflect on my experiences this summer -- watching my daughters and husband take on community musical theatre, presenting at a dozen conferences (including ISTE), and eating more ice cream than my stomach can tolerate with my son -- my reflections on what it means to find and hold onto joy have deepened.

At the ISTE & ASCD annual conference in San Antonio, the message was clear: spark joyful learning and inspire bold innovation. Our lives are heavy now, facing the problems of a post-COVID world, and at times, our joy is not as accessible as it once was. People are different, and I unfortunately had to learn in my 30s that people aren't always kind. Still, there are so many people in this world who continue to create, innovate, and want to make the world a better place. Sometimes we just have to look carefully to find them. 

ISTE and other tech spaces have been filled with people and ideas that inspire. In addition to innovative technology platforms and conversations on how to leverage AI for more than just teacher efficiency, I was inspired and reenergized at ISTE by the people, the creativity, and the willingness to share. The share button on Google was one of the first catalysts to make me fall in love with the possibilities of education and innovation, and has made me continue asking: "How might we...?"

How might we continue to innovate despite the social and political challenges we face? How might we find hope and seek out joy, even when our neighbors grow skeptical?  How might we keep the spark of curiosity alive when the systems around us feel designed to extinguish it?

At the conference, I am so grateful for the connections and relationships I've formed through the Google Innovator program and the educational technology platforms and conferences that all seek to elevate, support, and amplify educational practices and people supporting students in spaces around the country and globe. These like-minded and collaborative educators are so willing to discuss, understand, and celebrate others. Experiences remind me that community is a place of hope. 

Here are my takeaways from my time in Texas:

1. Good teaching and learning don't happen in a vacuum.

Collaboration, critical thinking, and communication are the three C's at the heart of powerful education. These aspects of learning happen when we are in community with others, sharing our stories and different perspectives. When we are willing to listen, we grow together. At ISTE, I was reminded that the most impactful practices are born from conversations that push us beyond what we already know. Great teaching is relational and deeply rooted in responding to the needs of the students in front of us. Amazing learning experiences happen when we genuinely invest in the people around us and model lifelong learning through curiosity, empathy, and excitement. 

2. To truly innovate, we need to challenge ourselves outside of our comfort zone.

I was so blessed to listen to incredible speakers, including Dan Heath, Jennie Magiera, Matt Miller, and Jason Reynolds. Their messages all highlighted in different ways that, at times, innovation demands discomfort. Innovation requires us to rethink what we've always done, even if the test scores were "good enough" or the community was seen as successful. Each message talked about embracing failure or uncertainty. It is in those challenging moments when an experience feels unfamiliar that true growth actually happens. We need to act courageously to explore the why behind the what. 

I was so fortunate to be a part of a small group in my Innovator program of women who continue to inspire me in this area all the time. From traveling to other countries to presenting innovative ideas to actively advocating for every learner, these humans make this world better. Emily, Greta, Lydia, Shira, Ashley, and Melissa - thank you for making the whole world shimmer in all that you do and for everyone you impact. 

3. Efficiency and "quick fixes" don't elevate our thinking.

I am concerned. I am concerned that AI is still so novel that many who are teaching the uses and best practices with AI are selling it to teachers as an efficiency tool that will save us all time and create innovative lessons with a few clicks of a button. Learning doesn't happen in shortcuts. Educators are intelligent, experienced, and human. What we offer our students can never be replaced. My hope in these coming months is that we don't become caught up in the speed with which AI can do for us, but rather start thinking of AI as one of the best thought partners that helps us rethink and reimagine what our classroom spaces look like. AI can challenge and stretch our thinking through continued dialogue between teachers and students (with a bot or two on the side fueling our curiosities). Instead of asking, "How fast can AI help me grade my English essays?" I want to ask, "How can we grow through this learning experience together?"

I loved learning from some amazing ladies at School AI. One of my #CHI24 teammates, Tarah Tesmer, presented an incredible session called The AI Eras Tour: Swift-ly Remixing AI Teacher PD. Leveraging pop culture and her own passion for Taylor Swift, Tarah shared so many great ways to utilize AI tools to spark creativity and joy. I loved her presentation and continue to be inspired by how her journey has shifted this past year. 

4. AI will continue to evolve, and we must be ready to rethink and reimagine how we use it.

Generative AI is shifting our learning landscapes faster than we can even chart. Again, my concern lies in how we are using it. If we are only using it to automate feedback or increase "efficiency," we are missing the larger picture. At ISTE, I saw so many colleagues and friends presenting on how to use AI as a creative partner, a feedback enhancer, and a means to personalize the learning experience. Still, we need to remain critical and ethical in how we integrate it. We do not want students to use it to replace our thinking, and we must be careful not to let it do the same for us. Let's ask ourselves how our uses and approaches to AI integration serve our students. How does it support our human connections, and not replace them? 

5. Celebrate others often and as much as possible.

Our educational spaces are better when we celebrate little wins and recognize the great work our colleagues are doing. A kind word, a card left on a desk, or sometimes just showing up at someone's classroom door can transform a person's entire week. At ISTE, I had the honor of watching my Google Mentor, also named Stephanie, amaze and inspire other educators too many times to count. This amazing lady shared her wisdom and experience with an energy that palpably filled every room and space she entered. Her work—and the work of so many colleagues I had the honor of connecting with—reminded me how deeply we need each other to feel seen and valued. The work educators do is hard, and the world continues to make our work even more challenging. When we are generous with our praise and deliberately lift each other up, we create space for innovation and curiosity.

One thing I have found myself saying in multiple spaces these past few months is that there is always room at my table. I find it sad and difficult when adults close doors on others or think there isn’t space for more educators to advocate for and support students. We are only better when we come together to collaborate. When we celebrate and support each other, our students and our community flourish.

6. Seek joy not because it’s easy, but because it’s essential.

Another incredible speaker, Kat Crawford (who goes by the Lunch Lady), approaches life with such joy and whimsy. As a fellow theatre kid, she so joyfully shared great ideas and resources in multiple presentations at ISTE. Her energy and her desire to support others reminded me that being authentically oneself is a wonderful way to spark joy. 

Joy is the fuel we need to sustain us when the weight and worries of the world overwhelm us. Joy is what keeps teachers coming back, students curious, and classrooms safe spaces. Embracing joy can occur alongside hard work and persevering through challenges. At ISTE, I saw joy in laughter, learning, and embracing the belief that what we do matters.

Even as the weight of the world presses down, the spark of joy shared through poetry, technology, and community pushes back. That push is what keeps me going. That spark is what lights the way forward.

Joy may be complicated, but it's also what makes the work worthwhile.