My fall sabbatical: What should I do? Where should I go?

 

I am extremely pleased that Iowa State University approved my request to take my first-ever sabbatical this fall semester. I will be spending the bulk of my time away working on a book or two. I have a multitude of ideas that are extremely eager to get out of my head and into publication!

In addition to my writing, I also will have time to do a little bit of traveling, in the fall as well as next spring and summer. So I’m looking for some interesting opportunities, particularly chances for me to learn and/or teach in places that I’ve never been before. If there are people / places / programs that I should go see in action, or events for which I should consider attending / presenting, please let me know! Right now my schedule for next year is almost completely wide open. [Note: depending on what the opportunity is, I might need assistance with travel funding!]

Thanks in advance for any thoughts or suggestions that you have!

Comments

[Dave Stock]

1.

Dr. McLeod,

You should really think about doing a presentation to the Cayman Islands Ministry of Education and/or the University College of the Cayman Islands. They need your insight into learning and would benefit from the motivation you could provide.

If you are interested, let me know.

[Denise]

2.

Would love to see your comments, suggestions, musings, of the International Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas in January. So many new technologies and gadgets are unveiled there and would like to hear your predictions of how they will effect K-12 education and how teachers should be using these emerging technologies.

[Keith]

3.

Both Tabitha (http://www.tabithasingapore.com/index.asp) and Caring for Cambodia (http://www.caringforcambodia.org) are amazing grass-roots organizations that are always looking for kind-hearted, compassionate people to help children who truly need it.

[Charlie A. Roy]

4.

@ Dr. McLeod
I think you should make sure to find a few weeks somewhere on a warm sunny beach with the wife and kids and plenty of bottles of corona.

I'm looking forward to the books! Be well!

[Mark Barnes]

5.

How about a couple of months in front of seventh graders in the greater Cleveland area? What an experience this would be.

[Russ Goerend]

6.

You're always welcome to teach a few days of Social Studies in my room, Scott. Just down the road...

[A Twitter User]

7.

I recommend a semester unplugged at Holden Village in Washington State. Take the family for the whole semester - they do school, etc... What a place to write, think, reflect...

[Doug Johnson]

8.

Hi Scott,

Wow, a sabbatical. I asked once from the district and was denied. I envy you the time to write.

Interesting question about where to go. (Looks like you already have some offers.) Maybe we can talk about places overseas when in Mumbai.

In my experience it is very, very difficult to isolate "high tech use" or "effective tech use" schools. I see that most schools do some things well, have some high flying model programs and teachers, but are not uniformly "transforming" what they do. I am sure there are exceptions, but generally the most well-regarded schools for tech use tend to be those with the best PR.

All the best,

Doug

[leelaurino]

9.

I have limited academic teaching experience (u of wisconis) but i have lasting memories of my 3 month Sabbical in Itlay in 2008.
I needed to know if i could live Italian in a town where i knew no one.

there are MANY places you could go but you may be able to teach (english) at Sorrento Lingua, a wonderful group of teachers with many, many programs

if you just want a quiet place to write, rent my house in Atlanta (near Emory Universiey) while i go to Italy this year.

www.HometoItaly.com

[Niki Davis]

10.

Scott, please come and see what is going on in New Zealand! I'd be delighted to welcome you here and introduce you to leaders in our schools and teacher education. As a past colleague of yours in ISU and now Professor of e-Learning in the University of Canterbury I know it would be a good experience.
Niki

[Dr. Joyce Pittman, Associate Professor, Int. Consultant]

11.

Hi Scott!

It is your old college chum, Joyce Pittman. I am just finishing up a three-year journey in the United Arab Emirates exploring the many facets of educational reform and technology integration. I am stateside now working on an international conference agenda, publications and relaxation. I am on sort of a sabbatical but must work on PD projects and more. I will keep you in mind for research, PD and teaching opportunities. It is really an interesting area to live and work in...like Nikki, if you travel my way, I will be happy to introduce you around!

Warning: Just don't go there in the summer months!!!

Joyce