My student was quite right to question my planned absence from school to attend a conference where I was presenting a workshop about integrated and thematic curriculum development.

To her, teachers teach children - and she’s not wrong.

Teachers are trained professionals, and they are masters in their fields; they know the gig and they get it done.

However, sometimes they need something more, or something different, to keep them performing at the top of their game.

As in any profession, there are changes, breakthroughs, and especially now -these changes happen quickly, and sometimes we miss them because - well - life is really quite busy.

Skip ahead to today, a week later.

MELTA has come and gone.

Many teachers were indeed unaware of how to integrate their curricula into thematic units and projects.

One teacher had already experimented with it.

Some teachers were excited to implement my R.E.A.L framework when they returned to school.

And I was happy to have been there to present my ideas and solutions to people who had the power and inclination to make learning exciting for more children beyond just my classroom.

This is why I’m drawn to move beyond my own classroom - to inspire and mentor teachers, effectively reaching thousands more students than just the ones who walk through my classroom doors.

More to follow on the REAL Curriculum Framework & Guide.