Week two of a new weekly post, Quotes of the Week.  (For more about QoTW, click here.)   Click them, share them, spread the wealth!

Teachers who are in a defensive crouch will not embrace innovation.

The Leader’s Guide to 21st century Education, Ken Kay and Val Greenhill

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When we put the explanation first, we get lousy learning and bored students.

Khan Academy Does Angry Birds, Dan Meyer

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As a school leader, an educator, and a parent, I think one of the most crucial things I can do is try to help people confront fear and move through it. True growth requires genuine and honest introspection, and that demands courage. The criticism—bad and good—must, to a degree, turn inward.

One reason I like writing this blog is because I feel a twinge of fear about each post. But I have to put myself out there.

Reading, Writing, Guilt, Fear, Mark Crotty

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Communities make us (or force us to be) better. Because of communities like Flickr and Instagram, there is more sharing that leads to more innovation….

The idea of looking through a “book”, or even website, at some of the best pictures onephotographer has done limits the customer to only the mind and work of that photographer.  These communities can inspire everyone with new ideas that they can all use or build upon.

When we share ideas, everyone benefits.

What Schools Can Learn From Photography, George Couros

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If we really want to change education and learning for our students, let’s change what is happening in classrooms, and our buildings. Let’s make education real for our students by moving from “Telling” classrooms to “Partnering” classrooms that enable students to engage in learning.

5 Things Teachers and Administrators Can Do to Make Learning Real in their Classrooms, John Robinson

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We are building something exceptional here. We need the work of your hands, the wisdom of your mind, and the discernment of your heart.

Become the most of something in your field. Look at the familiar as if you have never seen it before. Search for new ideas in new places.

Welcome Letter to Mt. Vernon Team, Brett Jacobsen

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After observing multi-age communities in Irish classrooms and coderdojos, adolescent orangutans in Borneo, and Mitra’s “hole in the wall” child-teachers, I wonder why we wouldn’t begin to redesign our schools to take advantage of this natural capacity of young people to teach, not just to learn?

In what ways could we create multi-age learning opportunities in our schools? Why not set that as a goal this year? It could be a game changer for contemporary learners – and you.

Why Not Children as Learners, Not Just Teachers?, Pam Moran