As I sit here looking out at what might very well be my last class of students, I'm conflicted. I feel like I'm a pretty good teacher, and with the direction of education today, I think I'm on the verge of being an awesome teacher. However, I know how to teach. I've done this for 16 years. I've taught grades from 2-7. GATE classes, computer classes, English, history, etc. In other words, I've pushed myself to move around in order to be a more well-rounded educator. I have a good sense of my strengths (Older students) and my weaknesses (2nd graders bring me to my knees!) So, it's hard to say goodbye. Working with children energizes me and pushes me to continue to learn and grow.
Then, I was faced with an opportunity. An opportunity to work as a district technology integration coach. My face lit up with the possibilities. I already love teach and spend most of my time outside of school looking at and thinking of ways to integrate it into my lessons. I love sharing what I'm learning with other teachers - especially those who don't have time in the evenings to search Twitter for the latest and greatest in edtech. This job sounds like everything I would ever want - yet, still, the conflict of leaving the classroom.
I reflected on this past year and thought about the words I often shared with the students. "You have to try new things!" "Push yourself." "Don't fear failure." It was the last one that especially resonated with me. I realized most of my apprehension was moving to a position that was an unknown. I have the skills, but with the unknown, there's always the fear of failure - a lot more than starting up my 17th class of students. I've seen my students grow so much this year and in so many different ways by putting themselves out there. How could I not take my own advice?
I'm excited to take on this new position and learn from some of the most incredible educators in a district that is passionately supportive of all it's early adopters. I know that I will grow in ways that I never suspected, and I will be creating a whole new set of skills which I will keep with me always. It's time to take my own medicine - move out of the comfort zone and move toward incredible opportunity.
I reflected on this past year and thought about the words I often shared with the students. "You have to try new things!" "Push yourself." "Don't fear failure." It was the last one that especially resonated with me. I realized most of my apprehension was moving to a position that was an unknown. I have the skills, but with the unknown, there's always the fear of failure - a lot more than starting up my 17th class of students. I've seen my students grow so much this year and in so many different ways by putting themselves out there. How could I not take my own advice?
I'm excited to take on this new position and learn from some of the most incredible educators in a district that is passionately supportive of all it's early adopters. I know that I will grow in ways that I never suspected, and I will be creating a whole new set of skills which I will keep with me always. It's time to take my own medicine - move out of the comfort zone and move toward incredible opportunity.