It's All Positive Here...

When I see so much negativity about teaching and the profession on social media, it makes me so sad. Especially since my experience this year has been so positive. Of course, I say that after moving out of the classroom and into the Media Center.

So what’s different?

I’m fully immersed with kids from the second I step into the building. 100%. Even when I have work to do and I attempt to hide in my office, they know my policy and will be standing at my desk with something to say at multiple random moments.

I have an office. And a bathroom.

I get to be creative and do what’s right for the moment. Whenever I want.

I have a budget. 

I’m able to have the students create and work the plan. There’s no competition for attention. There’s no set format.

Other teachers love that the kids are involved, that I’m doing my thing, that I’m trying new things, and that it’s working.

There is no resentment about success, only encouragement when things get tricky.

I have 100% administrative support. The entire team is wonderful, and I can’t stress that enough.

I work harder than I’ve ever worked during the day, and try as I can … I can’t plan or organize my time because there is no rhythm to the day. But when I come home …

When I come home, I can work if I choose to. I learn from others, reflect, play with my Blog/website (I just revamped and started again), get creative, and brainstorm … if I choose to. But I no longer have essays to pour over, parent emails/conversations, or student messages to answer.

OK. I have student messages, but that’s because they are excited and have come to me with great ideas or questions, or thoughts about our programs or events. And who wouldn’t love that?

I no longer give up a minimum of a day each weekend. I can hike. I can garden. I can read. And boy! Am I reading?! Book after book as I create a new book list and now move into reading the books we have so that I can help our kids with choices.

Also, I can watch The World Cup. So there’s that! I can watch the World Cup, connecting with kids who rarely brighten our doors - books scare them - but now we’re chatting, laughing, bantering, and even sharing soccer books and playing The World Game.

So, I’m not sure what the lesson is, but I will tell you, I’m happier than I’ve ever been - I’ve gone from loving my job, but being exhausted and stressed, to simply loving my job without the baggage. Just being where I’m supposed to be - and I think that I’m where the school needs me to be.

I feel guilty at times that while others struggle, I’ve found this perfect role. But on the other hand, that also makes me strive harder to find ways to support our teachers and find ways to truly make their lives easier. Because I can. The Media Center should be the hub of the school for all. Not just books. Not just kids. Teachers should get the benefits too. The vision is endless. There is so much exciting stuff to be done.

💙📚💙📚💙

This Week's Takeaway...

Want to be a hero? Let kids know that the 2-book limit is a thing of a pass.  Now they can borrow 5. 

No gatekeepers here!

World Cup Changes the Space

 When I was asked about taking over the Media Center, I was given one specific instruction, "Bring them in." We weren't even focused on books or reading - just get them in through the door!

And that's been my focus.

• Students running it all - from committee to volunteers
• Contests and events
• Book Fair focus with the World Famous Lollipop Board
• Friendlier and fairer - no fines, increasing books allowances
• Bringing in the books they want

But it's football (soccer) that's given me the impetus I needed to get them all in.

I love my footie.  It's the World Cup. The most important sporting event in the world - held during school because FIFA.  You only get 3-4 World Cups in your childhood, and this generation was having it taken away from them.

Not on my watch.

My kids and I had talked about a bulletin board. The Morning Activities team had created the World Cup of Trivia. I had planned to do Secret Soccer Sightings - drawing opportunities for anyone spotted in a soccer shirt.  So, we had stuff.  It just didn't feel like enough. So, I wondered if they'd let me show the games.  I mean, I could watch it on my laptop in my office, but that seems selfish. So I emailed the principal, "Would it be OK if I showed the World Cup games in the MLC?"

"Yes please!"

Well, OK then.

So, it started slow.  We had it on the TV outside, and the students would stop to check the score.  I updated scores on the whiteboard outside. I put games on the big screens inside and allowed those who asked to eat lunch while watching games.  

It grew. It got chaotic. It was messy. It was fun. Our space is full.

Not only is it full - it's full of kids I rarely see.  Kids who used to stay well away now run to me to show me their shirts and check that I am playing the games. I'm teaching them chants. We are looking up countries on maps. We are playing games and goofing off together. And the MLC is THE fun place to be. Teachers are allowing kids to visit and most are on board.

It's once every four years. In some cultures it's everything.

One student told me, "I'm coming to school because of you."

Now to keep them coming once the glorious chaos of the World Cup ends. That's the next challenge!

It Was the Right Choice

When I first talked about leaving the classroom, people warned me that I would miss the relationships. After all, that is what I always focused my teaching on. Relationships, constant communication with parents, and continually putting myself forward as an advocate and supporter for my students. But the reality is, my relationship with students is stronger than ever. In fact, I would say, that is the best thing about my job right now.

Last year was, and continues to be, somewhat of a blur. Focused on my mother, problems back in England, and dealing with the onset of Alzheimer’s in my beloved parent. Then I took leave and spent the summer getting things sorted out. It was a relief to have my future decided before I left, and to have the opportunity to become the media specialist. To be honest, at first, I hesitated. After all, I thought I wanted to be a coach. But that opportunity wasn’t available, and the thought of going back into five periods of ELA a day was exhausting. You truly don’t realize how much you do as a teacher until you leave that role.  As I sit here, writing on a Saturday morning, I think about the fact that I woke up at eight this morning, read for an hour, and now I’m writing. Last semester, I would’ve currently been marking essays, working on student work, contacting parents… I didn’t really have time for myself, I just didn’t see it. I loved what I did, but I was tired.

So tired.

After the decision had been made, I met with kids, formed committees, created brainstorming sheets, read a lot, talked to teachers, made some basic plans, and left for the UK to sort out my Mum.

Before I return, the opportunity to become an instructional coach again raised its head. I thought about it for about 30 seconds. I contemplated the wonderful conversations I had with teachers, who had unanimously shared their excitement about what perhaps I could achieve in the media center. I considered the time I had spent with the students already focused on being a part of a student committee and their ideas that have been flowing like an Alpine stream. Clear, constant, and wonderful.  No. The people who had said I would miss the classroom were thinking about me as a coach. And they would have been right. The media center, however, felt like the right decision.

And it was. 

Let’s consider the week that has just passed. I attended a fantastic training, that gave clarity to some of the tools I have at my fingertips as a media specialist. I spent an entire day teaching eighth graders some tips and tricks for better research that would help them with more credible sources, speed up the writing process, and even cite correctly!  I supported students as they built their reading record websites that I had helped them to create last week. I discussed book choices with multiple children. I spent two or three hours before and after school on various days working with my volunteers - from the student committee – as we created future plans, and design the bulletin board. I worked on the upcoming book fair, creating flyers, and teacher incentives - thinking about how I can make it successful. I checked in books, I checked out books, I shelved books. I set up the space for a meeting, and then for a class. I created another lesson for future students in a different grade. I brainstormed with a teacher about how she could have the students reflect upon the work they had done comparing democracy with autocracy, through a wonderful book. Her ideas were brilliant & student work will fill the MLC. I’m sure there was more, but those were the highlights.

My week is basically spent building relationships and communicating, with both students and teachers. And that fills my cup daily.

There are more goals ahead, and the student ideas keep me on my toes. I’ve worked with science and ELA and reading, and have a social studies class up ahead.

The best part of teaching for me was always the time spent with students out of class. The extras, the creativity they showed went away from their class work, and the fun we had being together. 

Now that’s my job.

The best part of coaching was helping teachers to create new things. To come up with ideas they haven’t had before. Now I get to do that every day, whether sitting down with a teacher to brainstorm, chatting over a cup of coffee, or literally teaching the class.

I always knew that there was something more than I wanted. It’s only October, but it appears that I have found my place.

It was the right choice

#Joyful

 Two full weeks.

Two weeks and two days in my new role. 

And I couldn’t be happier.  My word for the school year was #joyful.  Well, that's where I am. 

As I have introduced myself to kids while orienting them to the Media & Learning Center (more on that rebrand later), I’ve pointed out to them that I now have the best job in the school. And it’s the truth.  I’m actually feeling vaguely guilty while around other teachers in the building - because this is great.  I’m not limited by my classes. I’m not limited by space. I have ALL the kids and a big beautiful room filled with books and new additions such as Lego, jigsaw puzzles, and multiple Maker-space items. 

Amazing. 

And then I get to choose how I work with the kids. They are all too happy to work with me to create the space, the energy, the programs, and the rebranding. And they are so filled with wonderful ideas and so much commitment to the cause. 

Can this be true?  Pinch me!

My favorite thing about teaching was creating the environment for learning. Being creative with presentations and making content more engaging. Now I get to live that. For me and for others. From rebranding the space (not just a library) to creating the Teacher Hub, to creating resources - and teaching - for teachers with things like research, APA formatting, DBQ options, and more.  It’s what I love to do.  Serving teachers, making things better for kids, and focusing on creativity.  Yes, please!

Books. Yes. We have books. And we need more books. But we aren’t a library, and that’s the rebrand that’s in place. Morning activities based around Maker Space, invitations for teachers to send groups of kids to work and study, and offers for me to teach their class. I am constantly trying to think of ways to offer the very best use of our glorious space. Hence the new name. MLC - The Media & Learning Center. Plus, a nice hashtag when needed! #MLC

It’s just a beginning, and I can’t wait for what’s to come. 

Three kids are meeting with me on Wednesday to propose their ideas for Hispanic Heritage month.  

Multiple students have applied to be considered for the student committee … 

…they are excited. I am excited. 

Let’s GO!

It's Not Just a Media Center

 A New Journey...

And here we are. The first full week of a new school year.  But I am no longer an ELA teacher. I am no longer limited by designated classes and structured curricula. That's exciting!  On the other hand, I have to learn new priorities, new procedures, and find a rhythm in a new world.

The Media Center. That amazing space that can bring so much more to the school.

The Media and Learning Center. My goal is to change the perception of the space and create a hub for the school.

There's so much I want to do, to change.

But the main focus is singular - involve the kids, bring them into the Media Center, and find ways for them to take ownership. And I'm pumped.

Step 1 - change the space to create pods and collaborative spaces ✅

Step 2 - invite students to volunteer and create their priorities ✅

Step 3 - purchase and install a Lego wall ✅

Step 4 - focus on MakerSpace areas and materials ✅

Step 5 - get a website going for students to access and add to ✅

Step 6 - get the details done and focus on the students, the relationships, and the excitement...

Step six is the big one. The one I am most excited about. The one that I wake up thinking about, the one that fills my mind with joy.

Which reminds me, my word for the year is JOYFUL - and I can't think of a word more suitable to my goals and plans!

So what do I mean by that?

Well, quite simply, I want the students to be the ones who push the ideas and plans. The ones who think of the contests and activities. Sure, I might lead with thought-starters, but the buy-in and excitement will only come from them feeling that they have ownership. They need to create excitement, don't they?  I can motivate, but the intrinsic desire to be a part of everything needs to be developed by them.

Tomorrow morning at 8 a.m. it all starts.  I have 16 kids signed up to start the process.  We will be together first thing and get plans into action. I have a slideshow for prompting, but they will get to decide who should be on the committee and how that works.  There are numerous tasks that they can lead - and I am as excited as they are about the opportunities.

My big picture is for the students to truly believe that they are in charge. That they own the space. That they tell their friends and bring them in.

We can do this.

And it's going to be AMAZING!

Unexpected Lessons

 Lessons Learned from a Good Walk...

Two months of a complete change of pace while watching my mother slowly deteriorate has taught me important lessons.

Yesterday, I went for a long (17+ miles) walk and as I walked, notes down lessons learned to share with the photos on Facebook. This morning, as I planned my blog, I thought about how my walking notes connect with much deeper learning about how I must change my life - how I can embrace what has made me so happy here despite the personal heartache and missing husband and dogs 🐶 

So, here we go - from my walking notes as posted on social media, to the life connection.  Well except for #8.  That just is how it is!

1. Don’t worry about how the app works, just focus on the map. Bring a charger 🙃 
• Don’t waste so much time, energy, and emotion on being clever - get the basics right first!
2. Pack a spare pair of socks. And a T-shirt. And pants. Heck, bring the whole change of outfit 👖👚🧦Yes, one of the tracks in The FIRST mile got me soaking wet 😳 
• Plan for the unexpected, and learn from every adventure to be better prepared for the next.
3. Keep your eyes open! Lots of vegetation change, and the occasional pony🐴 in a field. Always a surprise for both of us. Oh, and the field of bullocks was a bit unnerving 🐂. 
• 
  Don’t miss life as it flies by. I love waking because you notice things you miss from a car - like an apostrophe on the Bishop’s Hull name sign I spend my life rushing. It needs to stop. I need to breathe & take a walk. I need to watch out for and enjoy the little things. 
4. Put your raincoat on when walking through thick, wet, nettle-laden vegetation. 
• Think ahead. ‘Be prepared’. Remember #2 above!
5. Always stop for a castle 🏰 even if it’s only a fort & nothing much is there. After all, you don’t want to miss anything 🤷🏼‍♀️. 
• When you think there might be something special ahead, make time for it. Don’t miss out. Don’t try to squeeze it in. Let it be special. Life truly is short.
6. Bring a towel to sit on 😀 
• Always think about the tools you’ll need and find a nice spot to sit to watch life unfold. Don’t always stand up.
7. Don’t press stop instead of pause ⌚️, when you stop to eat a sandwich 🥪. 
• STOP RUSHING to do things quickly. Savor the moment. Take your time. Do it right.
8. Road miles are hard on the knees. 
• Well, they are 😂
9. 2 bottles of water are enough for only the first 10 miles  💦💧 
• There seems to be a lot about planning ahead for success here, doesn’t there? But it’s key - as is hydration! Always have water to drink and a kettle to boil ☕️. Have a cuppa at 4pm and give yourself a brain break 🫖. The G&T at 6pm seems like a smart move too 🍸. Just one - after all, “Everything in moderation.” 😂
10. Bring your bandaids 🩹 & nettle sting spray ✅. 
• Sometimes you have to cover up mistakes made when you take the wrong route. Sometimes you make a boo-boo! Be ready to think about how to fix it if you need to - and remember that it’s the mistake that teaches you how to get it right next time.

Going on a 17-mile hike is very different than a 5-mile walk. Wet feet for 16 miles creates an issue. But I learned. Being away from home and not working for 2-months, moving your Mum who has worsening dementia, and living in a relative’s home is very different than day-to-day living as a teacher in Cumming, GA. But I learned. I’ve discovered a calmer and more thoughtful self. I’ve reminded myself how much I enjoy rambling and tramping around the countryside. I’ve reconnected with British habits that I truly enjoy - so what if they mark me as eccentric in the US 🤷🏼‍♀️. They are me. They are my culture. I’ve always tried far too hard to fit in, to be liked. 

I’ve learned to embrace ME. 

        To enjoy ME. 

                To BE me.

Long may it continue.

Nil Satis Nisi Optimum is a good message, but there’s more than one way to do your best!

And God Save the Queen 🇬🇧

A Very Different Spring - FMLA time!

Well, here I am, leading a very different life than usual. No teaching, minimal thinking about work (I mean, it never quite goes away, does it?), and dealing with a very different type of stress.

It’s FMLA time.

Family and Medical Leave Act. One of the better laws that the government has passed as far as I am concerned.  Up to 12 weeks away from work to take care of family needs.  And boy!  I certainly have a family need.

Originally the goal was to save my weeks for when immigration finally came through and we moved Mum over.  The trouble with making plans that concern an official entity like immigration, is that they don’t march to the beat of anyone else’s drum - much less mine.  We really thought that Mum’s case would be expedited - Alzheimer’s, 90 years old, self-funding…why hold things up? But despite support from Senator Grassley and Senator Ossoff (talk about a disparity of views there!), we are still waiting.

Still.

It’s almost a year.

So, we are now thinking perhaps September.  Maybe October.  And Mum could not wait.  Bless her, she’s been doing so well thanks to carers and tremendous neighbor support - my goodness, I could do an entire blog about neighbor Ruth and how she stepped in and took care of…well, everything that I should have been doing, really.  But when things were learning up to the 90th birthday and phone calls were showing more and more gaps…then at the birthday itself, seeing the confusion and occasional fits of anxiety…it was clear that waiting wasn’t an option anymore.  Mum couldn’t be alone any longer. We needed either full-time care or she needed to move to a care home.  The family stepped up and plans were made.  We would move Mum to a care home near my aunt, I would empty the house and get it put on the market, and then when immigration finally come through, we almost literally just have to pack a suitcase.  Or, if it is too late, then Mum will be safe and in a good place. 

So then the weeks of waiting began. Dealing with the very different ‘professional’ culture of the UK (email is NOT a priority) and all the frustrations that come with long-distance planning. But so many positives. The new principal at the school could not have been more supportive. HR at the district level was beyond amazing. So plans were made. I focused on preparing lessons and getting my kids ready. There were bittersweet moments like the surprise farewell party and amazing gifs from my students. There were some tough travails trying to stay focused and on task as the end date came closer.  My long-term sub prepared and got familiar.  My team was there to support me. Paul, my husband, was fully on board. And every time I hugged my dog I was emotional. 3 months away. That’s a long, long time. 
But now I’m here. Mum’s moved into her new home. I’m on track with shipments and charity collections. The real estate agent selection will be made soon, and life keeps moving forward.
It’s amazing how I switched off and into this new life so quickly. It’s had some joyous parts with lovely country walks always available - and the time to do them. There have been some very difficult times with a lost and confused mother facing the reality of losing her independence. There have been difficult moments trying to make things happen at my speed and some frustrations dealing with things out of my control. There have been unexpected struggles such as my mother-in-law passing away 3 days after I got here - and I can’t be there to help and/or look after my husband. Poor Paul.  
Teaching and my media center plans are there. There’s a little part of my brain that keeps me picking up my notebook and jotting down ideas. I am not quite finished with my Gifted Endorsement, so work is being done and projects completed.

One thing has become clear.  The ‘rest-of-the-world’ attitude about not working when it’s not a workday is so much healthier. It took me about a month to get over the frustration of answers not being given, slow email responses, and the inordinate amount of national holidays there appear to be, but eventually, I have been able to slow my mind down, match the pace, and enjoy my long walks in the countryside.

The question is, how will I resolve the disparity when I get ‘home’?  How will I find ways to keep what I am loving - and what is clearly so good for me - while keeping up with my own expectations and needs of the world I am going back to.