Michael Ida, ObJN, PhD, NBCT

I'm not sure which of the elves at #808Reads left this for me, but I'm grateful for your thoughtfulness. I'm lucky to have parents who modeled being lifelong readers (and naturally, lifelong learners). We're halfway through August, and Kalani is holding its own at number 11. Back to School Reading Challenge? Done.

When I put on my unofficial uniform for the first time, I know that school is finally here. The start of year thirty is just as fresh and alive with possibilities as the start of year one (minus some of the jitters). The feeling at the end of the day is the same though, tired but good. There's no tired quite like teacher tired.

There's something to be said for withdrawing from the world and losing yourself in the pages of a good book. What you find is priceless. The challenge continues. #808reads

Whether you believe the clickbait headlines that predict AI will soon become the real Skynet or those that see it as just the latest tech bubble destined to burst, AI is here to stay. Even if it froze in its current state, it would still be a groundbreaking technology, but it seems to be evolving rapidly, and it forces us, as teachers, to consider some fundamental why, how, and what questions. There's much talk about teaching students how to use it ethically and effectively as a ladder rather than a crutch. I quickly realized, however, that we can't do that authentically and persuasively unless we have, ourselves, explored its capabilities and run up against its limitations. One of my projects this year has been to do just that and to figure out ways of using AI as a teacher, not to offload busy work onto it, but to enhance my effectiveness as a teacher. My latest @edutopia article summarizes my early experiences trying to do that. Is it possible that AI can make our classrooms more student-centered and collaborative and less screen-focused? It certainly is. edutopia.org/article/using-…

Reading challenges are not just for elementary schools. Summer is the perfect time to fall in love with reading all over again. Put down the phone, pick up a book, and enter into a world of possibilities. Let's go Falcon readers! #808Reads 808reads.k12.hi.us

Teacher Appreciation Week is a great time to take stock of where we've been and how far we still have to go. Now more than ever is the time for each of us to stand up, be a #ProudEducator, and make our voices heard. We've had experiences and seen some things that no one else has, and we need to be included in the conversation. 👴🏻 Years working in education: 29 🦅 Schools: 1 🌺 Districts: 1 🍍 Classrooms: 1 🧑🏽‍🎓 Grades taught: 9–12 💼 Principals: 3 👧🏽 Number of students taught: LOTS (almost 4,000?) 🌴 States taught: 1 ✏️ Certified: Math, CS, Physics, NBPTS 📜 Highest degree: PhD

I've been blessed to have had a career filled with fulfillment and joy. During this Teacher Appreciation Week, I'm incredibly grateful for the innumerable colleagues who have shared the journey with me. I'm indescribably thankful for your grace and love, and I wish you all a happy Teacher Appreciation Week!

Sponsored by @UNESCO, #WorldBookDay is celebrated on April 23 and celebrates books and reading in all their forms. I like to hop back and forth between several books and have eclectic and sometimes incongruous interests. Replace the empty calories of mindless scrolling with the fortifying nourishment of a good book.

The story of Holy Week and Easter @stmarkshonolulu in 11 bulletins and one candle. Alleluia. Christ is risen. The Lord is risen indeed. Alleluia.

At @stmarkshonolulu we celebrated a glorious Feast of the Annunciation to the Blessed Virgin Mary. Having a state holiday the following day is an extra blessing. Now it feels like we can really settle into the silence and stillness of Lent.

Education is not just a local or state issue--it's a national issue that affects all Americans. Our schools and our students need support from all levels of government. The core subjects--math, ELA, social studies, and science--all agree: The adults in the room need to step up and start acting like adults.

A nice break from Lenten fasting and abstinence. A blessed Feast of St. Joseph @stmarkshonolulu.

My fellow #NSTOY23, @BrianSkinnerKS , shared these e-decals that a fellow @NEAToday board member created for each state. I appreciate how it reminds us that each state is special and unique in its own way, but also that we are part of a greater union, and that we're all in it together. Our students need strong leadership and advocacy from every level of government--leadership that knows that IDEA is more than just a random thought that pops into your head.

What kind of student gets up bright and early on the first Saturday of spring break to do some coding? The kind of student headed towards a bright future as one of tomorrow's movers and shakers. Kalani had a great showing with four teams represented at the first annual ICSpark Hackathon, two of which placed second and third overall. AI has got nothing on good old-fashioned human ingenuity and creativity.

Get that special project funded HIDOE teachers!

Project 2 of 2 today for the Kalani chapter of the National Honor Society. Back at Kennedy Theatre and ushering for another full house. The 4 pillars of NHS are scholarship, service, leadership and character. Our students had ample opportunity for the second one today.

A busy day for the Kalani National Honor Society, our morning was spent with the Kalani Leo Club and members of the Kahala Elementary School community doing a joint campus beautification project on their campus. Kennedy Theatre ushering coming up this evening.

With all of the upheaval and uncertainty in the world, the beginning of Lent is a sobering reminder that all of the things in this world that I cling to so dearly (including myself), are ultimately transitory and nothing more than dust and ashes. Understanding that intellectually is one thing. Experiencing that physically and viscerally is another. A blessed and holy Lent to those who observe it.