A Teacher's Ruminations

I would be lying if I said I didn't have mixed feelings about admitting that I'm looking forward to the start of school in a couple of weeks. Mixed feelings about admitting that I'm looking forward to returning to school in a couple of weeks? Wait. I am looking forward to returning to school in a couple of weeks! There. I said it...at least in this blog...because saying this out loud in some circles may sound nerdy. After all, who wants to return to work after a vacation? Who wouldn't want to extend their vacation if they could do so? Admittedly, summer vacations are my favorite time off from school. But, what teacher doesn't look forward to summer vacations? They are stress free and rejuvenating. They provide a time to refuel, relax and reinvigorate for the new school year. They allow for extended travel time, reading - novels (adult and middle grades books for me!) and professional books - and for spending more quality time with family and friends. ...

At a September back to school session on school culture, our director asked each of us to reflect on the following question:  What will be your most important contribution to the culture of our school this year? I found this question so intriguing at the time that I decided to write a public response on my blog...that I never finished and therefore never made public. I n light of  recent challenging personal and professional events, it's time I finish my response to this question and, in turn, reflect on whether or not I've been successful in taking up the challenge offered by my director.    At the time and in the space I found myself, the answer to this question was quite simple:  be positive.  Perhaps, this is too trite and therefore meaningless but after a full year reflecting on what gives me joy in all aspects of my life, I have found that the simplicity inherent in being positive - looking at the bright side - resonates well with the road I'd ch...