It's Going to Be Messy

Messy:
1. marked by confusion, disorder, or dirt
2. lacking neatness or precision: careless, slovenly
3. extremely unpleasant or trying

I think a catchphrase I hear all the time (and admittedly, use all the time) is that education and learning is really messy. In fact, we always warn teachers that when they bring in technology and devices (as well as authentic learning) that "it's going to be messy". 

When I look at the above definition though, I can see why recently, a district leader stood aghast, unable to rectify his definition of messy with mine, when I made my messy comment in a meeting. I think it all depends on your definition of messy...

When I say "it's going to get messy", I'm trying to say:

You're going to have to let go a little bit.
Your class will be loud. 
You'll struggle with feeling like you get anything done because your
constantly moving about, 
conferencing, 
facilitating, 
leading, 
guiding,
nurturing,
teaching.

AND
your principal will walk in to see that instead of orderly rows 
your students will be in all 
positions, 
shapes,
locations,
as they navigate learning on
iPads, 
laptops, 
Chromebooks, 
maybe even spaceships...
embracing their
confusion, 
quests,
tasks,
disorder, 
learning.

And there will be a group of kids around the SMART Board in the front of the room arguing about the solution to the problem as they figure it out together.

It will look careless to the unlearned observer.
It will look beautiful to you. 

Your kids are going to be extremely passionate about what they're doing which means it's gonna be hella-loud. (Sorry teacher next door)

BUT ALSO 
your students are going to do things that are wrong online...
they might bully, 
they might cheat, 
they might even access things that you didn't have any idea could get through your schools filter...

SO YOU
you, will be constantly looking for teachable moments to help guide students in this new wild frontier,
YOU
will be more 
exhausted 
yet YOU
will be more 
fulfilled as a teacher than you ever thought possible 
(before you allowed this "mess" into your classroom)

because your KIDS are learning and growing and thriving in ways you never imagined.

So, go ahead...let it get a little messy:)