My Best Teacher Wasn’t My Teacher

She was my coach. The first significant failure in my life occurred when I was eight years old. I remember it vividly. I tried out for my town’s Pop Warner cheerleading team but didn’t make it. Back in the mid-80’s, children were actually cut during the tryout process, or at least they were in my hometown. Only the most talented kids

What Could Be Better Than The #BammyAwards?

Roughly two weeks ago I was checking the updates section of my inbox from my phone and noticed a message from Rae Pica. The portion of the message I saw read: “Jennifer L. Scheffer has been nominated for a Bam…” “Congratulations, Jennifer L. Scheffer has been…” I thought, “What…? Huh…?” I opened the email and continued reading. “Congratulations, Jennifer L. Scheffer has

Daring to Disconnect

“Don’t use your cellphone for the next hour” This was the “Dare” card I randomly drew at the TED Active Dine Around event on Wednesday, March 18th. I couldn’t help but laugh. My phone was dead, the wi-fi was weak and I was with brilliant company, so it really wasn’t a challenging dare. I disconnected for the majority of my time in

Where in the World is Jenn Scheffer-Part 3

I started this post in Italy and I am finishing it 35,000 feet in the air as I travel back to America. I land in about four hours. It’s somewhat bittersweet to share this final reflection on my time spent in Cles, Italy visiting the Pilati School and being a guest in the home of the Crociani’s. I’ve had an unforgettable experience

Where in the World is Jenn Scheffer-Part 2

If you missed Part 1 of Where in the World is Jenn Scheffer, a reflection on my experiences as part of the Burlington High School Teacher Exchange program, you can check it out here. Part 2 focuses on my trips to Venice, Rome, and Florence; three of the most beautiful places I have ever seen in my entire life. I

Where in the World is Jenn Scheffer? Part 1

When Renee Dacey, the World Language Department Chair at Burlington High School, asked me if I wanted to spend two weeks at Istituto Tecnico Pilati of Cles in Northern Italy and take part in the Burlington Exchange Program it felt like I had just won the lottery. Except for a few visits to Canada, this American girl has never been outside

Reinvent My What? Understanding the Point of a PLN

The week after returning from an amazing learning experience at both FETC and EduCon, I was invited to speak to a group of undergraduates studying education technology by John Brown, Clinical Assistant Professor of Education at the University of Lowell in Massachusetts. I had free reign on which topic to cover, so rather than take the “60 apps in 60

Student Tech Teams Featured in a Student Run Demo Slam

Of all the tools available to students and teachers, Google Hangouts is easily one of the most powerful in the Google apps suite. My introduction to Hangouts came back in May of 2013 by 7th grade social studies teacher Tracy Sockalosky. Since that initial video call, I have been fascinated by Hangouts as a means to connect “face to face”

Calling all Connected Educators: What does #digcit mean to you…and your students?

Connected Educator month is in full swing and October is flying by! Before the month ends, don’t miss your chance to do one of the most meaningful activities in October…give your students the chance to be connected. The #digcit moderation team has created a way for you to do this. From now until October 31st we are collecting video submissions