As Judy Gressel retires, we say thanks ...
There has been some internet “buzz” over the last few weeks about 7 Habits of Highly-Effective Teachers Who Use Technology. At New Trier, we have been so fortunate to have had years of learning from just such a teacher/librarian, Judy Gressel.
Looking at those seven habits, we
cannot help but think of Judy Gressel – always asking
“why?” –since she has been a significant contributor to curricular
units at our Integrated Global Studies School (IGSS) and through the many other
lessons and projects she has developed and refined throughout her tenure. “Malleable” and “always
embracing change” describe her, too. Judy is THE consummate early adopter – she has
brought so many wonderful tools to our attention and keeps a lively online
presence through Twitter and her PLN. Can you guess Judy's mantra? “Learn one new thing a day!”
The habit
that says so much about Judy for me is “share,
share, and share some more.” She has tirelessly stepped up with
colleagues not only at our high school, but also locally through a long relationship
with Illinois Computing Educators, with the Illinois School Library Association
and nationally through countless webinars.
“Win, Win, Win” and its reference to administrators,
parents and students reminds us of the quality relationships she has with each of
those communities and how a few years ago when we saw administrators using
Prezi on an Institute Day, we knew it was due to Judy’s influence. “Thinking two steps ahead” is probably a
minimum for Judy – I am always amazed when I bring her an idea and she starts
to tweak it, saying, “why don’t we … ” and we are off and running in at least a couple
of exciting directions.
