Why TLs should apply to attend the next #GTA

I just saw that applications are open for the next U.S. Google Teacher Academy (#GTA). It will be in Austin December 2-3, and the applications are due October 13. Back in August, I wrote about my experience at the #GTA in Mountain View in July. If anything, I am more energized and inspired now than when I left there, as I begin to process and apply ideas I got there. It has also enriched my PLN (personal learning network) with more than 70 wonderful new connections, between the attendees and the organizers. I am, frankly, focusing this post on my Teacher Librarian friends as the audience; I want those of you who haven't yet had this experience to apply and attend. Here's a few reasons why I think you will find it valuable, followed by a few reasons why, if I had my way, the cohort would be flooded with TLs!

Here are just five of what could be many reasons why you'll find attending a Google Teacher Academy valuable:

• You will see great examples of new and better ways to engage students, and help them explore their passions, learn to solve problems, and prepare for their futures
• You will become part of a cohort of enthusiastic people you can network with and share ideas with, and, yes, be intimidated, but in a good way, by all their talents
• You will be infected with Google's "can do" attitudes and teamwork models 
• You will be inspired to share your new ideas and expertise with your colleagues, PLN, and the world
• You'll be pushed to be a Moonshot thinker!

The Googlers and other organizers at my academy told us what they are looking for in Google Certified Teachers. They are: 

• Outstanding educators with a passion for using innovative technologies and approaches to improve teaching and learning, 
• Creative leaders who understand opportunities and challenges, and have a desire to help empower others in their local community and beyond, 
• Ambassadors for change who model high expectations, life-long learning, collaboration, equity, and innovation. 

And, here's why we should have lots of teacher librarians in this next and every cohort:

• Don't those three characteristics above sound exactly like every good teacher librarian you know? Teacher librarians are naturals for this!
• We need Googlers, the other cohort members, and all our fellow educators to see what we TLs do and how much our expertise contributes to positive change.
• A big theme of the academy was the value of team work. We teacher librarians are not just leaders, we are also excellent collaborators and team players. 
• We are experts at spreading the word, both right at home and far and wide, about any new ideas and tools we find valuable. If you love Google like I do, you will learn more about what you love and then share that with the rest of of your TL and educator PLN.
• You'll love the experience! 

And, don't worry if you don't have a lot of expertise in filmmaking. (A one-minute film is one of the requirements.) I made mine with GoAnimate and just background music, for audio so I didn't have to speak or act. :-)

So, do consider applying to the Austin Google Teacher Academy. Okay?