Thing 1: Lifelong Learning

I consider myself to be a lifelong learner. I enjoy reading and researching topics that interest me.  Formal studies prove that highly successful people commonly share 7 1/2 habits.  These habits include:

1. Begin with end in mind
2. Accept responsibility for you own learning
3. View problems as challenges
4. Have confidence in yourself as a competent, lifelong learner
5. Create your own learning toolkit
6. Use technology to your advantage
7. Teach and monitor others

And... most importantly 7 ½.  Play!

For me, the easiest habit is to "view problems as a challenge."  My mindset  is highly competitive.  Therefore, I enjoy finding new ways to excel and make it to the top.  If someone tells me something cannot be done, that drives my competitive spirit to find a way to accomplish any worthwhile task.

On the other hand, the hardest habit for me to accomplish is finding enough time to "play."  Sometimes it seems I take on too many roles (teacher, coach, student, mentor, bookkeeper, friend).  I am definitely the perfectionist, but sometimes my involvement in so many activities stretches my schedule a bit too thin.

As an educator, I strive to model my passion for lifelong learning.  I want to instill that same internal desire and passion for independent learning within my students.  One step toward that goal is a Learning Contract.