Looking back, I notice these recurring themes in my blog posts:
I neglected this site for a while because I was lost…professionally. The name of this blog is Teacher in the Mirror. This year, I stepped out of the classroom. How can I blog about my teaching experiences when I am not even in the classroom? Looking back on this year, I now realize that I should have been blogging along the way. No matter what my official role is in my district, I am a teacher, and I always will be.
While I was lost in my world of education, this year's journey has led me to have a deeper understanding of who I am as a professional and how being effective can come in many forms.
The Journey
My district created a few Instructional Technology Coordinator (ITC) positions as a trial for the 2015-2016 school year, so I accepted one of them at the end of last year. In June, I moved my personal belongings out of my classroom with a heavy heart. What did I do? How could I leave, even for just a year? In 11 years, I took very few sick days, and I had a really hard time imagining someone else in my room. I shed many tears on that last day of school. And of course, I worried all summer if I had made the wrong choice.
August came, and as I settled into my new building (grades 5-6) with new colleagues, I wondered if they thought, "Who does she think she is?" Honestly, I thought that myself. Family, friends, colleagues, and past parents asked many questions like, "So you aren't teaching anymore? Did you get tired of teaching? How could you leave your classroom? You loved it!"
Hearing that made me sad. I was not tired of teaching. I still love it. I took the ITC opportunity to make a difference in the district. But then again, what difference could I possibly make? Little me. I knew I had to prove to myself that my year away from my classroom was worth it. Therefore, I made a vow to myself that I would stay true to who I am. I leave every day knowing I did the best I could to make a difference.
Pleasantly Surprised
I was scheduled to train teachers at our first in-service day in August, and I was a nervous wreck. Teachers can spot a mediocre trainer after only a few minutes together, so I knew being successful would take extra preparation. I also wanted to gain the respect of my new colleagues. Teachers' time is valuable, so I tried to make every second meaningful and inspiring.
All the preparation paid off. I realized quickly that teachers LOVE LEARNING, especially when they can see the direct positive impact it can have on students. I overheard several teachers talking about ways they could use some of the things they learned. The day was a success, and I was still a teacher! Their eyes lit up when they learned new things, just like my third graders' did.
There was no more time for worry after that first day! One year now seemed like only a short time to share everything! It was down-to-business and crunch time from that day forward!
Amazed & Proud
The teachers are true professionals! When we collaborate, I am humbled. They ask insightful questions that go beyond the technology. Focus is on what students need to learn and how the environment can be arranged to make lessons most effective. One teacher told me at the beginning of the year, "I'm not tech savvy. I actually hate technology…. but maybe I could give that one thing a try… with your help." That teacher went on to have a love-hate relationship with technology. It was kind of hilarious. She was one of the first to use the new laptop cart, even though it came with some frustrations. She reads my technology newsletters thoroughly, and always finds something that she is ready to try. In fact, that self-proclaimed non-tech-savvy teacher volunteered to be a presenter at our last Technology in-service day! I was so proud of her! Actually, half of my new colleagues stepped up to be presenters! This is only year one of our big technology initiative; imagine what those teachers will do in the future. Just imagine how their students will benefit!
I have learned more than I ever thought I would so far this year! I have also confirmed that:
- I love teaching.
- Student success is really important to me.
- I have admired teachers my whole life.
- Solving problems and helping others is extremely rewarding.
I neglected this site for a while because I was lost…professionally. The name of this blog is Teacher in the Mirror. This year, I stepped out of the classroom. How can I blog about my teaching experiences when I am not even in the classroom? Looking back on this year, I now realize that I should have been blogging along the way. No matter what my official role is in my district, I am a teacher, and I always will be.
While I was lost in my world of education, this year's journey has led me to have a deeper understanding of who I am as a professional and how being effective can come in many forms.
The Journey
My district created a few Instructional Technology Coordinator (ITC) positions as a trial for the 2015-2016 school year, so I accepted one of them at the end of last year. In June, I moved my personal belongings out of my classroom with a heavy heart. What did I do? How could I leave, even for just a year? In 11 years, I took very few sick days, and I had a really hard time imagining someone else in my room. I shed many tears on that last day of school. And of course, I worried all summer if I had made the wrong choice.
August came, and as I settled into my new building (grades 5-6) with new colleagues, I wondered if they thought, "Who does she think she is?" Honestly, I thought that myself. Family, friends, colleagues, and past parents asked many questions like, "So you aren't teaching anymore? Did you get tired of teaching? How could you leave your classroom? You loved it!"
Hearing that made me sad. I was not tired of teaching. I still love it. I took the ITC opportunity to make a difference in the district. But then again, what difference could I possibly make? Little me. I knew I had to prove to myself that my year away from my classroom was worth it. Therefore, I made a vow to myself that I would stay true to who I am. I leave every day knowing I did the best I could to make a difference.
Pleasantly Surprised
I was scheduled to train teachers at our first in-service day in August, and I was a nervous wreck. Teachers can spot a mediocre trainer after only a few minutes together, so I knew being successful would take extra preparation. I also wanted to gain the respect of my new colleagues. Teachers' time is valuable, so I tried to make every second meaningful and inspiring.
All the preparation paid off. I realized quickly that teachers LOVE LEARNING, especially when they can see the direct positive impact it can have on students. I overheard several teachers talking about ways they could use some of the things they learned. The day was a success, and I was still a teacher! Their eyes lit up when they learned new things, just like my third graders' did.
There was no more time for worry after that first day! One year now seemed like only a short time to share everything! It was down-to-business and crunch time from that day forward!
Amazed & Proud
The teachers are true professionals! When we collaborate, I am humbled. They ask insightful questions that go beyond the technology. Focus is on what students need to learn and how the environment can be arranged to make lessons most effective. One teacher told me at the beginning of the year, "I'm not tech savvy. I actually hate technology…. but maybe I could give that one thing a try… with your help." That teacher went on to have a love-hate relationship with technology. It was kind of hilarious. She was one of the first to use the new laptop cart, even though it came with some frustrations. She reads my technology newsletters thoroughly, and always finds something that she is ready to try. In fact, that self-proclaimed non-tech-savvy teacher volunteered to be a presenter at our last Technology in-service day! I was so proud of her! Actually, half of my new colleagues stepped up to be presenters! This is only year one of our big technology initiative; imagine what those teachers will do in the future. Just imagine how their students will benefit!
I have learned more than I ever thought I would so far this year! I have also confirmed that:
- I still love teaching (and I AM still a teacher).
- Student success is really important to me.
- I admire teachers, especially my colleagues!
- Solving problems and helping others is extremely rewarding.
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