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Wednesday, May 10, 2017

Transition: Focus Your Need To Serve Elsewhere

10 May 2017

As a Citizen-Soldier for over 20-years, the thought of putting others first has always had appeal.  I originally joined the Army Reserves in college to help with the bills.  I wanted to be a soldier, and from an early age I had a duty to country as well.  There is a military tradition in my family, and I am sure most of you can relate to these conditions.  Most of us can also relate to the dramatic change in our attitudes toward military service in a post-911 world.  I left family, and jobs, to serve overseas like many others.  It was, as is commonly described by my brothers and sisters, the transition back that was hardest.

Coming back to a swirling landscape of career paths, additional education required to catch-up, and the need to be understood by people who had not served was stressful.  It was especially hard when I retired from military service and found myself on the outside of system looking in.  I missed the direct contact that came with being “in”.  I could no longer share the common bond of service that others who are still in have.  While we have shared experiences, my duty was at an end, and there was a hole left in it’s place.  I truly miss the camaraderie, training, and focus that came from service.

I found a new way to serve.  Troops to Teachers, a local college, and some fantastic mentors put me on a path to becoming an educator in the Philadelphia area.  I also turned my need to lead into a passion for coaching sports, clubs, and scouting.  The combination of these areas has had a profound effect on me, and my relationships.  It fills the gap left from my time of service.  I believe it is the best use of my skills and resources, and I encourage any member of the armed forces to try it.  I have taught STEM Engineering and Computer Science in the Philadelphia area since 2009..  I am currently teaching Middle School technology classes to help prepare students to use the digital tools that will serve them far into High School and beyond.  The planning and implementing of the curriculum, and the effective communication and sharing of methods and ideas with colleagues is very similar to working in a company, platoon, and squad size element.

Coaching sports allows me to help develop physical skills, agility, and leadership in kids.  Scouting allows me to stay in touch with the outdoor skills like camping, survival, first-aid, and orienteering.  The combination of all three allows me to keep sharp, and pass on, knowledge that I feared would slowly sink away into the abyss of time.  I also get to spend time with family at most of the events.  Most of all, it is the mentor relationship that I hope to have, in various degrees, with people in my community that fills the void where service once filled.  Being mentored by others (head coaches, scout leaders, school administrators), and mentoring others has added a dimension to my life that I thought I could not get back when I left the service.

Blogging here is also helpful.  I want to be available to those who have served our country, educators who need help adding or implementing technology in their programs, or anyone who is trying to find their way out of darkness.  I will post more topic, or skill specific, posts in the future here.  Requests are always welcome.  I have taken a path with my life, and I would be happy to share the route map, pitfalls, or keys-to-success so far with any of you.

Monday, March 20, 2017

Where is Harvey and Websites Galore!

Hello Everyone!  It has been a while since I said hello, and updated you on my whereabouts!  I am currently teaching at Collegium Charter School in Exton, PA.  They are fantastic!  Great Students, Great Staff, and a supportive and encouraging environment to work in!  My Professional Information site is edtechfundamentals.com, and can lead you to find my linkedin, twitter, facebook and other ways to contact me.  This is my personal blog page!

My class website has changed names, but still contains a ton of valuable lessons for Business Technology, Computer Science, Engineering Design, and many other "STEAM" projects!  Please feel free to visit at http://collegiumtech.blogspot.com.  The school web address is collegiumcharter.com if you would like to learn more about the school.

I have been busy creating websites, videos, and other content for multiple applications and projects.  I am still an enthusiastic disciple of students learning to code!


In my role (since 2014) as a Training Facilitator in Partnership with Code.Org, I have trained over 1,000 educators in eight states!  My training site is at codeorgfunphilly.org.

I still have a soft spot in my heart for using Tackk.com to create single-page websites, but recently I found Strikingly.com!  What a fantastic way to create sites and let the world know what you are working on.  Here is my personal page:  http://harvey-scribner.strikingly.com/.

I am now an Atomic Learning Ambassador.  In this capacity, I can help you understand how to use this fabulous resource.  Atomic Learning Ambassadors team with other connected educators around the country. The purpose of the team is to build a community of educators who collaborate and grow through the support of the members. The Learning Ambassadors can participate in as little or as much as they'd like and each level attained opens more opportunity for the member.  While Ambassadors have a community of connected educators, they are also recognized for all they do to support learners. If you are interested in learning more about Atomic Learning use the code SCRIB and sign up for a free 3-month trial subscription.  You will be surprised how easy it is to learn about all the technology that can surround your classroom and your district.

On the personal front,  I am a Grandfather to a fantastic angel of a young lady!  Sinta Jane is healthy and happy, and currently resides with her parents in Georgia!  Jodi and I are still busy with the day-to-day happiness of living in Eagleville, PA!  Our boys are growing too fast, and we are all involved in sports, coaching, scouting and many other endeavors!  Drop me a line to say hello, or IM me on social media to see where we are planning to be over the summer.  There are a lot of camping days in our future!