Innovation in O&M

Today, it’s just you and me. We’re diving into a topic that’s a bit esoteric and a little out there, but one that really needs to be discussed. It’s all about how we can lean into innovation without losing sight of who we are right now. So often, the things we’re doing right now are working well for us, so how do we know when it’s time to let go of what’s no longer serving us? How do we even decide what to focus on with all the new ideas and changes constantly coming our way? We’re going to explore these questions and raise a lot of others in today’s conversation. I don’t have all the answers, but we’ll think through it together.

Behind the Scenes Update

But first, it’s been a while since I’ve updated you on what’s going on behind the scenes. It’s October, and I’m really loving this school year. It feels like we’ve finally passed the rough patches. Is everything exactly as it was before? Not at all. Did I expect it to be? Definitely not—and I wouldn’t want it to be. The education system is at a critical juncture right now, and the changes we’re seeing are going to impact the future of education for a long time. We know that the system was built around the Industrial Revolution, but we’re not in that era anymore. The world’s changing, and so must our approach to teaching.

The Teacher Shortage: A Catalyst for Change?

It’s no surprise that education feels more stressful than ever—administrators are feeling the heat, and so are teachers. But what’s interesting is that those of us working on the front lines often know what’s going on better than anyone else. The struggle comes when our administrators are under pressure and seem to be out of touch with what’s really happening on the ground. And let’s not forget, the tension between the need for control and the desire for innovation often pulls us in opposite directions. There’s a divide between generations, between teachers and admins, and this ongoing tug-of-war makes it hard to move forward together, even though we all have the same ultimate goal: doing what’s best for the kids.

This teacher shortage we’re facing? It’s tough, but I actually see it as a potential catalyst for change. The generation going through this shortage may not know anything different—they’ve only known this new paradigm. We can learn from that. Think about how we look at music or movies today, or how different our kids’ tastes are from ours. It’s not wrong or bad—it’s just the next step, and maybe, just maybe, this shortage will give us the opportunity to rethink everything.

As teachers leave, and administrators make tough decisions, we have a chance to advocate for better solutions and step into new ways of doing things. While the teacher shortage isn’t going to magically resolve tomorrow, I think it’s an opportunity to pivot, to question what we’re doing, and to consider what’s truly working for us. We’ve got ideas, but we need the courage to implement them.

Teaching and Multitasking: A Glimpse Into My Life

On a personal note, I’ve really enjoyed teaching this year. It’s been a reminder of how much I love it. Teaching students with multiple impairments in a residential setting, having team meetings, organizing logistics—every day is different, and that variety energizes me. I feel like I’m juggling a lot, with my kids at home, snacks, homework, emails, and work projects—but that’s what makes life exciting, right? And of course, October is special because it’s Blindness Awareness Month, so we’re getting to share so much valuable information with our learners and their families.

Looking Ahead: Fall Live Training & Symposium News

Looking ahead, I’m thrilled about our upcoming fall live training on November 10. The working title, “What’s in My Car Boot?”, might sound a little quirky—shoutout to Jeremy Hill for the idea—but it’s a fun take on how we can stay organized on the go, especially for those of us who travel and have a lot to manage. If you’re interested, be sure to sign up for our email list at alliedindependenceonline.com or slide into my DMs on Instagram. You don’t want to miss it!

And while we’re on the subject of innovation, I want to tie this all together by talking about how we approach change. At our upcoming symposium, we’re going all in on innovation, exploring new strategies that are practical, not just theoretical. It’s not about the latest research for the sake of it—it’s about using what’s already working and making it better. And that’s what I want to talk about today: why should we even embrace innovation, and how do we do that without feeling like we’re losing control?

Why Innovation Matters in Education

Here’s the thing I’ve learned about humans: we love the momentum of growth. But that growth has to feel like it’s within our control, even though, realistically, life is never fully in control. The fear of losing control can actually lead to burnout more than the rapid pace of change itself. We think everything has to be perfect all the time, but in reality, growth happens when we step out of our comfort zones. Whether that’s in teaching, innovation, or life in general, growth requires us to take risks—and failure is part of that process. It’s okay to stumble, because that’s where learning happens.

The First Step in Innovation: Taking Risks

Think of it like this: if you were standing at a street corner, waiting to cross, you’d feel more alive when you actually step forward, even if it’s a little clumsy. Innovation feels like that first step—you may not have it all figured out, but that’s okay. It’s okay to let go of the things that no longer serve you and to embrace new ways of doing things. In education, this means focusing on teaching and learning theory, but also on how we connect with learners, parents, and communities.

Innovation as a Tool for Adaptability

Innovation isn’t just about new tools—it’s about fostering adaptability. Our students are growing up in a world that demands they be adaptable, and if we want them to succeed, we need to show them how it’s done. We need to lead by example, by learning new strategies and trying things that make us uncomfortable, even if they don’t always work out perfectly. Innovation isn’t just about the future; it’s about giving our students the tools they need to thrive, no matter what comes their way.

Taking the Next Step

So, where are you holding yourself back from innovation? Where are you stepping forward? I’d love to hear from you on Instagram—let’s keep this conversation going. And I’ll talk to you in two weeks!

Useful Resources:

• Explore the IOMOS Priority List to stay ahead in your O&M practice.
• Join the Clarity Workshop for in-depth training and actionable strategies.
• Register for the TVI Symposium  to connect with fellow educators and learn from experts in the field.