Slide Decks, Wix Blunders, and Powerful Professional Learning

When I first started the ADL program, I won’t lie—I had a lot of doubts. I looked at the course list and saw ADL/EDLD 5389 near the top of the program map. It was one of those courses that made me wonder if I was truly prepared for what was ahead. But as the course went on, it became clear how much it would shape my approach to learning—and how much I could contribute to my learning community.

One assignment that stood out to me was creating a compelling case for moving from traditional “sit and get” professional development (PL) to a more interactive, hands-on model—the "Go & Show" approach. This assignment wasn’t just an academic task; it felt personal. I’ve been on the receiving end of dull, one-time PL sessions that left me feeling more disengaged than motivated. I wanted to create a real argument for a model that actually supports teachers in meaningful ways: ongoing engagement, practical application, and continuous support.

As I worked through the assignment, I reflected on my own experiences with professional learning. It became clear that PL doesn’t have to be passive or one-off. Teachers need the opportunity to engage with strategies, receive real-time feedback, and see those strategies in action. That’s exactly what the "Go & Show" model offers: active participation, sustained support, and personalized growth. The more I thought about it, the more excited I became about the potential impact such a model could have—not only for teachers but for the learning culture in schools as a whole.

And speaking of excitement, let’s talk about my presentation—specifically the moment I realized I had gone a bit too far. I started with a pretty simple slide deck, but by the end, I had embedded a slide deck into another slide deck. Was it a genius move or a presentation nightmare? Honestly, I’m still not sure. But hey, it was innovative, right? Maybe I’ve just discovered the next big thing in slide deck meta-presentation. Either way, it made me realize that creativity in designing these tools can sometimes lead you down interesting, uncharted paths. Who knew PowerPoint could give you an existential crisis?

Now, I’d like to say that I’ve learned all the tricks of the trade when it comes to Wix, but that’s not entirely true. Case in point: I managed to hide one of the pages I created, and poof—it was gone. No idea where it went, and it definitely took me more time than I care to admit to figure out that I had hidden the page in the first place. Lesson learned: Make sure you check visibility settings before you hit “publish” next time! But honestly, looking back, it added a touch of chaos to the process, and I couldn’t help but laugh at myself for that little blunder. It’s all part of the journey, right?

Working with my groupmates was a highlight of this experience. You really start to understand what others are truly going through when they’re trying to juggle everyday life and these courses. The support, feedback, and collaboration we shared helped me refine my thinking and stay motivated. I am genuinely grateful for my groupmates Faith Lopez, Sonia Rodriguez, Whitney Davis, and Adaliz Barroso whose perspectives and insights pushed me to grow. It’s a reminder that we’re all in this together, and learning from each other is one of the most rewarding parts of the process.

As much as I struggled with the technical aspects of the presentation, what surprised me most was how deeply connected I became to the topic. It wasn’t just about completing an assignment; it was about advocating for something I believe could really change the way we approach professional growth in education. The process got me thinking about how I could apply these same principles to my own future career—whether in the classroom or leading professional learning for others. I now have a better understanding of what it takes to create environments where people not only learn but thrive.

When I look back on this assignment, I can’t help but feel proud of how much I’ve grown. It wasn’t just about putting together a professional development plan—it was about learning how to drive meaningful change. I’ve learned how to advocate for ideas that can make a real difference in the way teachers engage with their own growth, and that’s something I’ll carry with me well beyond this course. For this course, I give myself a 95.

And on a final note, I have to say: I’m genuinely grateful for the opportunity to be part of this program. I’ve gained so many tools and insights that I can apply not just in my professional life but in my ongoing journey as a learner. I’m excited about what’s next and the ways I can contribute to positive change in education. The process may have been challenging at times, but it was worth it—and I’m ready for whatever comes next.