Ready or Not

So I am moving to Southern Middle School, beginning a new chapter in my educational career. I have to laugh at that line, because "new chapter" sounds profound, but I think educators make changes in their careers more frequently now. Gone are the days when a teacher began and finished his/her career in one school, or even in one grade or program. Now I hear about teachers changing grade levels, changing content areas, going from special education to general and back again, or moving into administration and back to teaching. I think change is a good thing, because it keeps teachers fresh and professionally stimulated. If our minds are not engaged with new learning and experience, how can we engage our students' minds?

So now my blog has to move on, to new topics and purposes. I want to continue to write and to hear from readers. As a career changer, older teacher, I know the value of shared experience.

So I am going to start writing as "In the Middle", and look at issues of middle school instruction. I assume its a different ballgame from the high school issues I'm used to. I assume it's different from the preschool concerns I used to face. I don't know enough about elementary education to comment about those differences.

I don't know much about middle school education, grades 6-8. I'm excited about this new venture, and I am beginning a self-directed learning program to increase my educator's expertise.

I'm also moving into a leadership role as department chairperson for Special Education, while teaching two classes. So I'll also be "in the middle" as I find my way between the school administration and the faculty.

In this blog I will communicate my new pedagogical thoughts, my lesson planning, and my experiences moving to a new school and grade level, and serving as a department chairperson. I hope you'll share your responses with me.

Posted by at 10:38 AM | Permalink | Comments (8)

Joy to the World, 'tis the season for celebration. I know it's not the winter holidays, but it is holiday time for educators. We're celebrating the end of our year.

First of all, let me tell you about the Prom, with gorgeous girls and handsome boys and smiling administrators. Our Senior Prom was a great success. No one got sick in the bathroom, no one was obviously under any illicit influences, and no one broke up loudly with their date. I felt pretty good in my new dress. The sad note -- Laura, my fellow Class Advisor, lost her father the week of Prom and couldn't come. I missed her a lot that night, and grieved with her at the funeral the next day. My daughter Katie and two of her college friends came to help, and they were the key to success. They put up decorations, hung balloons, passed out glowsticks. They kept me calm. They kept telling me how wonderful it all was. It was wonderful. Joyful, even. A celebration.

Next came our graduation -- 470 graduates outdoors on an extremely hot night. It was a lovely ceremony, even dignified, except for the beachballs students managed to blow up right under our noses. It was joyful for our graduates and their families, and for myself and Laura. We celebrated the end of our Senior Advisor responsibilities.

Now it's the end of the school year, and students and teachers are joyful. Summer is here. I am joyful, too, although my happiness is tinged with a little sadness. I'm changing schools. I was asked to apply for a position as department chair for special education. I accepted the job at a middle school in my hometown. So I'm leaving Arundel High School.

My new school assignment is closer to home. In fact, it's my home middle school. My son attended it back in the '90's. Some of the children I cared for as babies may be in that school now, or will be soon. It's like coming full circle.

That's education for you. Just as I thought I was figuring it all out, the plans change. But as you should know now, I value new experiences, and believe that everything comes together with meaning eventually. I'm finishing the first season of my educational career at Arundel High School, and looking to the next at Southern Middle School. My memories at one are joyful, and my anticipation of the next is equally enthusiastic. After all, its the season for celebrations.

I hope you're celebrating another successful year. Be joyful!

Posted by at 6:21 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)