What I Learned at #ISTE18....Join and Share #IAmMore Movement and enter to win $1,000 for your classroom and other cool prizes!

I saw and learned so much last month at #ISTE18, but one of the highlights was a timely (and very needed) movement aimed at students and teachers. Voyager Sopris Learning’s #IAmMore movement and contest was unveiled at the conference in Chicago, and I can’t wait to get my school and students in on the action.

Voyager Sopris Learning is a company I’ve worked with in the past, and I’m always impressed with their commitment to improving student literacy. 

I met their president, Aaron Ingold, at ISTE, and he told me about the company’s various literacy efforts and resources. He shared the details of #IAmMore and why the company is launching the movement and contest. Voyager Sopris Learning wants to encourage everyone to see that potential comes in all forms and to believe that literacy is possible for everyone. At the conference, teachers and librarians from all over the world stopped by the Voyager booth to share what makes them more, have their picture taken, and enter the contest. 

As Aaron pointed out, the company wants everyone to see the potential in every child. They want every child to be able to say things like, “I am more than the grades I make in school.” “I am more than how well I did on the test.” If only all kids had this confidence and drive to succeed.

Unfortunately, in most cases students who are struggling to read at grade level are unmotivated, unengaged, and frustrated with learning to read and write. As teachers and librarians, we see this all the time. But how do we get these students interested – let alone excited about – something in which they’ve had a long history of failure? This movement could be the start of changing things!

But it’s not just about students – it is a movement for teachers, librarians, and administrators, too.

The #IAmMore movement invites us to see a district, teacher or student for more; for what they can do instead of their limitations, and for more than what meets the eye. It also emphasizes the unique role English Language Arts skills play as the foundation for learning in all academic areas. The better a student understands text and language, the more that student can learn and excel in other areas of life.  

What better way to reinforce this message than by joining the movement as well as entering a contest that challenges us all to think differently, and gives teachers the chance to show what MORE means in their classroom? This contest also allows us all to showcase how every student’s skills can be used to become all they dream possible. 

I will be joining, entering the contest and working with students when school starts this fall at Van Meter. I can’t wait to have my students and coworkers share what makes them more, and post the photos to the gallery. It’s fun and easy and so worthwhile. I am excited to see who wins the many prizes. 

I’ll be posting more blogs about the contest and how I’m integrating it into my days with my students, so stay tuned for more.

Here is everything you need to know about the #IAmMore movement and contest: 

GET IN ON THE ACTION EARLY: THE CONTEST IS JUST GETTING STARTED!

All you have to do is submit a photo or video for your chance to win an awesome prize package...

...or $1,000 for your classroom! Read more about the contest here, and then start taking photos, making videos, and posting!

Enter Now 

Share your photos on social media to become a part of the #IAmMore movement. Be sure to use the hashtag #IAmMore and tag @WeAreTeachers. 

This is an opportunity for you and your students to have a voice and be seen as more than your challenges.