We All Do Better When We All Do Better

This weekend was the weekend to get ready for the first day of school with my new class of third and fourth graders. I feel anxious and this feeling is a familiar feeling. Every year the days and moments before that first day are filled with hope, excitement, worry, preoccupation, and wonder. Then they arrive and it's pure joy mixed with frenzy. This year my hope is to slow down enough to enjoy and SEE EVERY CHILD EVERY DAY. I want them to feel like I see them for exactly the wonderful people they are. There are so many friends I have in this profession who have helped me feel seen and heard and I am forever grateful to them. Susan, Jon, Sonja, Jim, Claudia, Herm, Sandi, Bill, Wendy, Patty, Paula, Sharon Patti, Sarah, Anne, Kristen, Patrick, Allison, Naomi, Sylvia, Natalie, Denise, Amy, Tara, Bridget, Nancy, Deborah. So may more. Thank you all. I see you.

Setting Up For Peace

Setting up my new classroom - I think about the students as I sort through the books, throw away old glue, and clean the sink. Wondering so many things about them: 1) What will they want to learn about? 2) How do they learn best? 3) What will surprise me about them? 4) Will they put the cover tight on the markers? 5) Will they want to do spelling or just have time to read? 6) How tall are they? 7) In what ways will I help them feel loved? 8) What gifts will they share with the classroom and school community? 9) When will we first laugh together? 10) How will this year be special for them? Can't wait!

It's a New Day - Going Back or Moving Forward.

During the past four years I was a principal and in the last year I made the decision to return to the job I love - teaching. I start next week. Many have asked me why I chose to make the change - often times they ask "Why are you going back to teaching? "Going back" is not a good fit. One cannot "go back" to teaching. The teaching profession is one that requires moving forward always. It is precisely the reason why I left the principalship at a school that did not want to move forward. Learning = moving forward. Schools are places of learning. Get out if you don't want to move. Let's do this!