The Edcamp Model: Powering Up Professional Learning: Corwin Connected Educators Series

"In this era of accountability, educators feel as though professional development is something being done to them, and then Kristen Swanson and the Edcamp Foundation came along. Edcamps are exciting, engaging unconferences that put the learning back into the hands of educators, and in this book Kristen Swanson provides step-by-step directions so educators can create their own in their building, district, county or state. It’s a must read for anyone who wants to put the professional in professional development."

"This book, written by members of The Edcamp Foundation, is a first-hand account of the Edcamp model for professional development from the people who were with it from the very beginning. Dr. Swanson’s insights into how the Edcamp Model meets the needs of educators in their pursuit of personalized learning for professional development is founded in the experience of designing and supporting Edcamps since the very first one in Philadelphia. She provides the information necessary for any educator to plan, execute, and reap the benefits of this most relevant form of personal, professional development for educators in a profession that relies heavily on relevance in order to be effective in a fast paced, rapidly changing culture. This book provides simple and intelligent answers to: why Edcamps work, how they are effective, and how to deliver one to a district or school.  This is a book for teachers and administrators alike."

"The leadership of Kristen Swanson and her collaborate professional network has nurtured a growing community of learners through the power of the Edcamp model. This book provides the energy, urgency, and resources to continue to spread Edcamp-style learning into classrooms, schools, districts, and collaborative networks around the country. Anyone looking to take control of their learning, lead next generation adult learning, or build new energy surrounding the ways that kids learn each day should make this book a part of their learning today. Kristen writes in a way that all can access and provides step-by-step ways to make Edcamp-style professional development in all learning spaces a success."

"Swanson outlines a new kind of professional development that is sure to revolutionize how educators improve their craft. This step-by-step blueprint for success demonstrates PD that is remarkably simple and brilliant. I don't know an educator who won't love The EdCamp Model."

"This book is the ultimate "how-to" guide to plan and design your own Edcamp, whether it be within your district or in your region. It gives you "how to's", guidance on getting organizer's feedback, and data on the successes of the Edcamp models. It is a "must" for all leaders who are in the process or idea stage of organizing and running a successful Edcamp. This needs to be on your shelf!"

"Professional development today is in intensive care. Trainings and workshops are boring and lifeless. What professional development needs is a jolt. Edcamps are the defibrillators that are going to bring professional development back to life. Kristen Swanson and the Edcamp Foundation have authored an amazing resource to put a charge into your professional learning. Use this amazing resource to put learning into the hands of those most affected--the teachers. No more life support, no more boring meetings. Edcamps are shockingly awesome. CLEAR!"

• Flipped leadership
  
• Tools for connecting educators, parents, and communities
  
• Blogging for educators
  
• Best practices for establishing a makerspace
  
• Tools to connect and empower teachers

Finally, all of the authors are active on social media, and they regularly present at local conferences, which helps in bringing to life the contents of these books."

Preface by Peter DeWitt
Introduction: Learning is Changing. Is Your PD Keeping Pace?
1. Powering Up Professional Learning With the Edcamp Model
The Need for Edcamps
What Is an Edcamp?
What Makes an Edcamp Unique?
Tenets of the Edcamp Model
Edcamp Philly: A Vignette
So... How Do I Attend an Edcamp?
2. Does Edcamp Really Work?
What Educators Are Saying About Edcamp and Its Exponential Growth
The Impact on Student Learning
Edcamper in Action: Craig Yen
Edcamper in Action: Sean Wheeler
Edcamper in Action: Heidi Swiak
Edcamper in Action: Laksmi Puspitowardhani
The "Yes, Buts..."
We're Still Learning
3. Organizing an Edcamp-Style Event at Your School or District
Bring the Benefits of an Edcamp-Style Professional Development to Your School or District
Before You Start: Connecting to the Edcamp Community
Getting Started
Considering Culture
Convinving School Leaders Who Are Skeptical of Open Learning
Setting the Stage for Success
The Day of Your Event: A Step-by-Step Guide
Inset: A Helpful Checklist for the Day of Your Event
4. Tips for Running a Regional Edcamp Event
Recruiting a Diverse Team
Securing a Venue Large Enough to Accommodate Regional Attendance
Promoting Your Event
Fundraising
Help Via the Edcamp Foundation
5. Final Thoughts
References

Exciting professional development that works!
Discover Edcamp, a model of professional development that’s never one- size-fits-all—and always productive. In Edcamp, “unconference” participants create the agenda and lead the sessions, drawing on their individual expertise, and engage in active collaboration for real results. Afterward, technology keeps the conversation going, building a connected learning environment that lasts. Here you’ll find the tools to run an Edcamp in your school, district, or region and start connecting, including:

• An overview of the Edcamp model
• Evidence showing its effectiveness
• Practical strategies to use right away
• A dedicated series website