I'm currently reading The End of Molasses Classes by Ron Clark. It's taking me a while as I read just a bit each day and really process it. If you haven't read it, you should. The main message is that our job is about uplifting children. However we can. However we need to. Every day.
I take this so very seriously. I am constantly thinking about and worrying over my students, my classroom, and my teaching. I'm constantly planning and scheming and dreaming of ways to push my kids further and help them to grow. I'm constantly planning and scheming and dreaming of ways to push myself further and to grow. I'm reading blogs and books and articles. I'm watching Periscopes and Blabs and YouTube shows.
I don't know what balance is, to be honest. I never have as a teacher. I've learned over the years to ride the waves. When I don't want to put it down, I don't. When I do, then I put it down and walk away for a little bit. It's worked pretty well for me. Lately, I haven't wanted to put it down. My mind is constantly spinning with new ideas.
With my rekindled passion for this profession, this calling, this way of life, I become more and more frustrated when I'm confronted with those who don't seem to see the urgent importance of what we're here to do.
Luckily, I'm connected to many amazingly positive and uplifting educators through social media. These connections keep me going and moving forward when faced with frustration and negativity. To those of you out there who are walking the walk and fighting the fight, thank you for everything that you do. You get it.
It's still hard, though, when you're faced with someone who doesn't seem to. Who doesn't seem to know the unbelievable power we hold, or does and uses it in ways that seem to undermine rather than uplift. While I could possibly just close my door and carry on, I'm not able to let it pass.
So far, my response has been to be relentlessly positive. I've posted some funny signs around the school encouraging them to try social media. I've shared what I'm doing when I can get someone to listen. If something comes across my path that I find inspiring, I forward it on to others. I don't often feel that I'm turning the tide. But I won't give up. Not ever. What we do is too important.
I don't know what balance is, to be honest. I never have as a teacher. I've learned over the years to ride the waves. When I don't want to put it down, I don't. When I do, then I put it down and walk away for a little bit. It's worked pretty well for me. Lately, I haven't wanted to put it down. My mind is constantly spinning with new ideas.
With my rekindled passion for this profession, this calling, this way of life, I become more and more frustrated when I'm confronted with those who don't seem to see the urgent importance of what we're here to do.
Luckily, I'm connected to many amazingly positive and uplifting educators through social media. These connections keep me going and moving forward when faced with frustration and negativity. To those of you out there who are walking the walk and fighting the fight, thank you for everything that you do. You get it.
It's still hard, though, when you're faced with someone who doesn't seem to. Who doesn't seem to know the unbelievable power we hold, or does and uses it in ways that seem to undermine rather than uplift. While I could possibly just close my door and carry on, I'm not able to let it pass.
So far, my response has been to be relentlessly positive. I've posted some funny signs around the school encouraging them to try social media. I've shared what I'm doing when I can get someone to listen. If something comes across my path that I find inspiring, I forward it on to others. I don't often feel that I'm turning the tide. But I won't give up. Not ever. What we do is too important.