When Things Didn't Quite Work - Opportunity Came Knocking

A New Opportunity!

A New Challenge!

Last year, I had the opportunity to be a 'part-time coach.' I learned a lot - both positive and negative - but one thing I learned was that part-time doesn't work without constant communication from and between administrators. I'm not blaming them, there were other priorities and a different idea of my role between them.  I found that when doors were opened, success followed.  I discovered that my love of talking pedagogy was embraced by many.  I found that my willingness to graft and create for amazing teachers was a gift that I could give. I also learned things about myself.  I saw that I find it very hard to live without recognition. I discovered that doing the 'secret' work was not for me.  I found it very difficult to not know my place, to not have a definite role.

I also discovered that 2 classes of ELA were a fabulous amount. It allowed me to pour heart and soul into my planning as I always do, focusing on strategic ways to use the time in as engaging fashion as always, but with only 60 students to give feedback too, not only could I increase the depth of feedback, but it opened up the time for me to create and do for other teachers.  

It was my best teaching year ever.

The hours I spent researching for others, taking classes, listening to podcasts, all gave me opportunities to play and experiment in my classroom - then share with teachers with first-hand experience.  

And those teachers who shared their gratitude with me, and those kids and parents who have reached out to me to share their appreciation, kept me pushing myself to truly deserve that praise.

But, I knew that it wouldn't last - allotments would come in, and without a place that I clearly fitted into the jigsaw of the school, it was only a matter of time before I knew that the opportunity would be gone.  I knew that I could never truly share my ability to coach without it being a full-time opportunity, and even though I strongly believe that any good school should have a coach, it's something our county is no longer fully supporting with special allotments. The opportunities are hard to come by.  For a while there I was strongly thinking of looking at other options. Our school schedule is changing to lose block days, and we are moving away from a lunchtime enrichment class that the majority of teachers hate, but I found fed my creativity and desire to experiment. The thought of 5 sections of ELA - much as I love ELA - was not enticing.  Should I go the private school route?  Should I find something else entirely?  I could do virtual teaching. I could...

For a while there, I even considered being an activity director at an assisted living facility. Maybe I'd get a discount for my Mum, you never know.

But then the opportunity came calling. The job I wanted at a different school over a year ago was offered to me on a plate - but this time at my own school. With the community I love, and the kids I know.

The chance to take our somewhat silent, often empty media center and turn it into the heart of our school.  A space that is vibrant, fun, and sought out.  Working with all the kids, a resource for all the teachers, ideas about!

Step 1 has been taken - a workshop with students to see what THEY want in their space. Step 2 is sharing the ideas with teachers and getting their feedback.  Step 3 will be a second workshop with kids.  My Vision Book is flowing. My working document is filled with an abundance of brainstorms.  My book order is massive and my podcast list has shifted.

Let's Go!

Let's Plan!

Let's DO!

Feedback from the Kids

Personal Impacts Professional

 It's been a weird year.

Yes, I know, it's only March, so why make it sound like it's almost over?

Well, it is for me. As of April 2, I will be taking FMLA to go 'home' to the UK to support Mum. 90 years old and suffering from Alzheimer's, she needs the help.  The plan has been for her to come to me. We gathered paperwork, paid a lot of dollars, wrote to state senators - whatever we had to do, I did. Whatever was suggested, I tried.  But she still isn't here.  The green card process for a parent isn't quick, and it isn't easy. 

We were hoping for an expedite, but that got denied.  Twice.

So now we wait for her name to climb the list. We thought August, now perhaps September.  The waiting continues.

In the meantime, she's no longer safe alone.  

This has been the backdrop to my year.  Early morning Zoom calls and back-and-forth emails to the UK. Daily phone calls to Mum. Constant contact with neighbors and carers. It's been stressful. Sleep has not come easy. Emotions have run high.

And yet? Professionally this year has been mostly joyful.  I have taught the best lessons I have ever tried. New strategies focused on my new learning.  Great relationships with the majority of my students having been looped from sixth to seventh with me (side note - looping works. Powerful).  Awesome monthly parent Teams meetings. With only two classes, both advanced, those students got so much more of me. Although the prep took just as long as if I had 5 sections, the feedback did not, and I was able to focus so much more.

Then I had the opportunity to work as a 'half-coach.' That was my focus when not teaching.

Coaching teachers who have pushed me really think about what works and why. I have grown so much!

Negatives? Yes. The new teacher who complained that I was visiting her to observe too much.  The 3rd year teachers who went to the principal about my observing them - not knowing that two other administrators had begged me to step in.  It happens.  I adjusted, I changed, I learned.

By February I found my people. I was creating lessons, co-teaching, and had 4 Impact Cycles ongoing.  

The lessons were simple. 

• You can offer, but not everyone's going to take
• Kids are more excited about learning than adults
• Not everyone sees the need to improve
• Sometimes you don't have the answers - and that's OK
• Your personal life can truly impact your accomplishments

They say you can do less when you are under stressful circumstances - and I found that to be true. But I strived to be the best I can be this year, and I can honestly look back and say that it was a good year.