Beginning with an Innovator's Mindset

The summer is fast fading and many of us are in transition; the end of something also marks the beginning of another. One of the reasons why I love being in education so much is the multiple opportunities throughout a calendar year for beginnings and endings.

Endings are always so bittersweet with memories of things accomplished and experienced and perhaps some regrets on those plans that did not happen. Beginnings are always my most favourite part, and they happen often enough to keep me energized, engaged, and excited about teaching. September, January, March, June

For me this is where magic happens. I research, read, plan, prepare, and dream about all the possibilities this new beginning holds - not just in my personal or professional life, but also for my students.
This past June I took out my phone and began drafting lists in Google Keep to help me with these dreams and goals (love this app!). I always keep a list of books to read and this summer it included The Innovator's Mindset by George Couros. I just finished reading it and highly recommend this energizing easy read for anyone working in education.
The Innovator's Mindset reaffirmed many of the ideas that have been knocking around in my head and sparked some new ones. As I read, I distinctly felt as if he was not only speaking to who I currently am as an educator, but also the future (and sometimes past) me. I've been gathering those sparks to fashion them into a fire of hopes, dreams, goals, and plans for my students this fall.
I wanted to share some of my favourite takeaways from this book to give those of you who haven't read it a snapshot, and those that have, a place to compare notes.
What are your thoughts?