Thursday, May 12, 2016

To the Teachers That I Once Feared

     As college students we had all heard the horror stories. The stories of the veteran teachers who would do anything in their power to keep the status quo. The stories of the veteran teachers who would shoot down the ideas of any fresh-faced newbie who dared to share a resource, method or opinion. We were told to keep our heads down, and remain unnoticed for the first couple of years, and whatever you do, don't try to change anything. 
     I worried through my entire job search about finding the right fit. How far should I drive? Should I remain in a city school, or move to a more rural location? Most of all, I worried about fitting in. I'm quirky, unique, slightly eccentric, or in laymen's terms, odd. 
     I finally found my fit, but in the days before meeting my new co-workers I still worried. Not about the students, or classroom management, but about the veteran teachers that I had been warned about. The night before our district meeting I received an email from a team member offering to meet me at the entrance to the high school so that I would not have to walk in by myself. That was the first sign that this is a team that takes care of each other, and they have.
     I work with a magnificent group of educators. Some are new, some are veterans and some are in mid career. We are a special mix. However, I want to digress to the beginning of this post, and those veteran teachers that I worried so much about. Those veteran educators have become some of my strongest allies, and mentors. They have been pillars of support, fantastic collaborators, and friends. They have boosted my confidence when I felt myself plummeting to the bottom. We have laughed together, cried together and made funny faces across the hall. For these many memories I thank them from the bottom of my heart, but it doesn't end there. 
     Our veteran teachers are our greatest resource. They know what works, and what doesn't. They know how to keep from burning out (listen to them on this one). They know how to pick their battles, and they know that state tests come and go. Still, there is one thing they may not be aware of; their value. Show your appreciation. Tell them thank you. Let them know you appreciate their expertise. They may not realize that you have noticed.

Thursday, August 14, 2014

Define Home

 I have written for years, short stories, journals, poetry, and of course numerous collegiate papers, I have only recently toyed with the idea of online publishing. That is as far as I have traveled. Not only do I work in  a profession that demands public professionalism, but who in the world would want to read something that I have written? I am a reflective educator and I know that my blogging should be just that, reflective. I do not choose to reflect in the hopes of being viewed as an expert, because nothing could be further from the truth. So now my only problem is where to begin. Today, I realized that I will begin with home.

For the past year I have worked in a district that requires me to commute roughly an hour one way. It took me about three years to find a full time position, so I knew that I was destined to commute. I really don't mind. The extra time in the car gives me time to reflect on my day. I am often asked why I don't move closer. Well, simply put, I have raised our four children in our home, and I am quite attached. The question that has really bothered me is when I am asked when I will take a job closer to home. I'm not going to. I have often wondered why so many teachers leave their jobs to move on to other districts. I have been told that normally, it is because they have found a position within their home district, meaning their Alma mater. If I really think about it, it would be a lot closer (I could possibly walk to work). I may get to teach my own children, and I would get to hand my son his diploma when he graduates this coming spring, All of this sounds wonderful, but at what cost?

Working where I do, I am afforded the luxury of focusing on what is important, my students and my teaching. This is because of the wonderful people I am able to work with. While I was working towards my degree I worried constantly about finding a district that would be welcoming. I was told that as an introverted individual finding a job would be nearly impossible, and fitting in would be even harder.

I was nervous moving to a district where I knew very few people. Not to mention that my students and parents would see me as an outsider. The warmth of my welcome was humbling. I have been met with nothing but warmth and sincerity. The magnitude of support that I receive daily is priceless. I can honestly say that I didn't realize how happy I was in my job until this summer. I miss my family of co-workers, my kids and my building. I look forward to beginning another year of laughter, collaboration and learning. This year, when someone asks me if I will ever go home to teach, my response is easy: I am home.