Growth Looks Good on You!
“Growth is a never-ending journey, and I’m excited to share my latest milestone with you! Today, I’m celebrating a new step forward on this path — earning a new digital badge!”
This badge represents more than just a credential — it’s a symbol of perseverance, learning, and commitment to growth. As I continue my journey of personal development and professional mastery, this accomplishment reminds me that life happens for you, not to you — every challenge is an opportunity to grow.
What’s the Badge All About?
Here it is, front and center! Check it out:
I’m proud to announce that I’ve officially earned the 2024 Teaching Professor Conference on AI in Education digital badge issued by Magna Publications. This badge recognizes my successful completion of a comprehensive two-day conference focused on the transformative role of AI in education.
Throughout the conference, I explored key areas such as:
• AI Ethics — Ensuring responsible and ethical use of AI tools in education
• Course Design with AI — Leveraging AI to create more personalized, impactful learning experiences
• Student Engagement through AI — Strategies to use AI tools that deepen student connection and learning
• Emerging AI-Powered Educational Technologies — Staying ahead of the curve with the latest AI tools for education
This achievement also signifies my growing expertise in critical areas that every educator and educational leader should increasingly be aware of:
✅ Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Education
✅ AI Ethics
✅ Educational Technology
✅ Instruction and Online Teaching
✅ Student Engagement
✅ Faculty Development
With AI transforming education at an unprecedented pace, it’s essential for educators, administrators, and organizations to stay ahead of these shifts. This badge isn’t just a personal milestone — it’s a reflection of my ongoing commitment to supporting educational leaders, faculty, and institutions in navigating these changes. If your school, team, or organization is exploring how AI can elevate learning, engagement, and instruction, I’m here to offer insights and guidance.
Lessons I Learned Along the Way
Earning this badge wasn’t just a checkbox — it was a process of deep learning and reflection. The 2024 Teaching Professor Conference on AI in Education was an immersive experience with thought leaders and innovators sharing their insights on the future of education.
During the conference, I engaged in conversations about AI ethics, student engagement, and course design—three areas critical for shaping the future of education. Learning about AI tools is one thing, but understanding how to use them ethically and responsibly to support learners is another.
There were moments of challenge. The world of AI moves fast, and keeping up with emerging tools can feel like chasing the wind. But I stayed grounded by leaning into my core belief:
“Faith plus action equals growth.”
This experience reinforced my belief that every challenge we face is an opportunity to deepen our understanding and expand our capacity. Growth rarely happens in comfort zones. It happens when we step into uncertainty with faith and determination.
By the end of the conference, I walked away with actionable strategies to help educators integrate AI into teaching, drive student engagement, and leverage AI tools responsibly. I’m ready to share those insights with others. Whether you’re a faculty member, school leader, or organizational executive, you don’t have to figure this out alone. If you’re exploring how to bring AI into your courses, classrooms, or training programs, I can offer practical, real-world strategies to get you started.
Why This Badge Matters
So, why am I sharing this with you? I believe that growth is a collective journey. Sharing our wins motivates others to pursue their own. But beyond that, I know that many schools, universities, and organizations are grappling with the same question:
“How do we responsibly and effectively use AI in education?”
That’s where this badge comes in. It signifies more than my achievement. It reflects my growing ability to support other educators and leaders as they adapt to this shift.
As AI continues to change how we learn, teach, and work, educators, leaders, and lifelong learners need to stay ahead of the curve. This badge demonstrates my commitment to ethical, innovative, and student-centered learning. It’s a step forward in equipping me to guide others through these changes.
How You Can Take Action
If your school, department, or organization is exploring AI integration, now is the time to act. AI is already changing education — from AI-driven assessments to personalized learning paths — and institutions that wait too long risk being left behind.
If you’re thinking, “Where do we even start?” I can certainly share insights on the following:
- How to integrate AI into your curriculum in a way that supports student growth
- How to navigate the ethical considerations that come with using AI tools in education
- How to ensure your team has the right skills to leverage AI effectively
AI in education isn’t a trend — it’s the future. The good news? You don’t have to navigate it alone. Reach out if you have questions or if you’d like to learn ways you can benefit along this journey.
Betting on Milestones That Matter
When it comes to growth, too many people wait for the “perfect moment” — but let me tell you, that moment doesn’t exist. The truth is, you don’t need perfection to make progress. You just need to move.
Milestones matter because they remind us that every step counts. Sometimes, we focus so much on the finish line that we miss the beauty of the journey. Every class completed, every certificate earned, and every hard lesson learned is a signal that you’re becoming stronger, smarter, and more capable.
I get it — it’s easy to feel like you need everything lined up before you start something new. You might be telling yourself:
“Once I have more time, I’ll focus on it.”
“I’ll start once I feel ready.”
“Maybe next month, when things slow down.”
Here’s the truth: There’s no “perfect time” to grow. The perfect time is now. Growth doesn’t happen when everything is convenient — it happens when you commit to taking the next step, no matter how small it feels.
The milestone I’m celebrating with this badge wasn’t just completing a conference. It was about embracing new challenges, committing to learning more about AI in education, and stepping forward in faith. Was I 100% “ready” before the conference? Probably not, but I knew that growth happens on the journey, not before it.
So, I’ll ask you this:
What milestone are YOU working toward right now?
Is it a certification? A leadership role? Learning a new skill that feels just a little out of reach? Whatever it is, keep going. Small wins are still wins. Every small step adds up, and before you know it, you’ll be looking back at how far you’ve come.
If you’re working on a certification, taking a course, or trying to overcome fear to start something new, I want to celebrate with you. Please share your milestone in the comments below. I’d love to hear it, encourage you, and cheer you on.
And if your milestone involves understanding and applying AI in education, I’m here to help. AI is reshaping education, and it’s happening fast. Schools, universities, and organizations are all navigating this shift, and I know it can feel overwhelming. But the good news? You don’t have to figure it out alone.
If you want to create ethical, innovative, and impactful learning experiences, let’s connect. Whether you’re integrating AI into your classroom, designing engaging course content, or exploring how AI can improve student outcomes, I can offer insight, strategy, and support to help you achieve your goals.
Don’t wait. Your next milestone is closer than you think, but you have to take the first step.
Whether you’re embracing new challenges, learning a new skill, or deepening your expertise in a key area, every step is a milestone shaping the path to your next big opportunity. And you don’t have to walk that path alone.
Through our Inspiration Moments, we explore ways to adapt, inspire, and thrive, finding insights and resources that make growth more achievable, even for those juggling many responsibilities. For more inspiration and resources to help you reach your potential, visit bettingonme.com. Together, let’s make the most of the opportunities before us and create a future full of promise.
Thanks for allowing me to join you on this journey. Until next time, keep thriving and believing that ‘Life happens for you, not to you, to live your purpose.’
Respectfully,
Lynn “Coach” Austin
About
Lynn F. Austin is an educator, author, emerging AI thought leader, and doctoral candidate who is passionate about inspiring others to reach their highest potential. With a strong foundation in faith and expertise in leadership, personal growth, and AI in higher education, Lynn is dedicated to empowering individuals to embrace challenges, opportunities, and change.
As a speaker, Lynn shares her insights and experiences at schools, conferences, and workshops. As the author of The Newman Tales children’s book series and other business, motivational, and faith-based books, Coach Austin draws from personal experience and professional expertise to motivate readers to join her toward purposeful living along a ‘life happens for me (not to me) to live my purpose’ journey of faith, growth, and inspiration.
