Thoughts on Going to the Google Teacher Academy UK

Well, it's official. I was selected to go to the Google Teacher Academy in London this April!

As the day of February 24, 2012 came closer, the expectation rose. I was feeling anxious, nervous, uneasy. I knew I was competing against outstanding educators from all over the world. Even though my chances were slim, I always felt I had a chance.

What does this mean? That I am teacher who's passionate about technology in education? Definitely. That I know a lot about Google Apps and other Google services? Probably. That I was really lucky? You bet!

I'm not even going to try to understand the criteria, both quantitative and qualitative, undergone in selecting the candidates. It must have been quite a tough endeavor.

OK, now that I'm going, I can think of two major questions.

• What am I taking from the Academy?
• How can I best represent my school and my country?

I hope I can come back and have a new network of educators I can collaborate with. That is probably the most important aspect I'm looking forward to. When I went to the first Mexico Apple Distinguished Educators Institute in 2011, that was definitely the most exciting part of it. Even in just a few days, I think the other Google Certified Teachers and I can create a bond that extends well beyond the GTA dates, and find ourselves collaborating in worldwide projects in years to come.

About representing my school and my country, I find that to be a little stressing. It looks like I'm the only educator from Mexico, and there is only one more from Latin America (Argentina). For me, it's important to portray that there are passionate and knowledgeable educators in The American School Foundation Mexico City (my school) and my region. Ideally, I would make some people think "hey, I didn't know there was such innovation and enthusiasm for educational technology in Mexico".

Anyways, I'm looking forward to this life-changing experience, and will keep you posted!