ripples to waves

Well one activity that we had to do this week was reflect upon a story that created change and consider what made it so special. Once I sat down and the thought came to mind I was able to rattle off quite a story from beginning to end. Upon glancing over it now....I must say things have changed in my world because of one small change.

Its amazing how one ripple in the water can create a wave that is felt all across the bay.

A few years ago I was content just being a mom and a teacher. Sure, I wished I could have worked as a full-time teacher, but it just was not in the cards for me at that time. I had a complacent attitude and thought everything would work out and I would eventually earn my right to be a full-time teacher in my current position.

HAH! Talk about being naive.

My administrator always told me that I should consider different avenues and not expect the current job to be my only choice. That fall, as enrollment would have it, my position was taken by someone with more seniority and I was left looking for another position. Looking back, that is when the change happened.

Since then I have realized I CAN teach other grades. I started out as a nursery school teacher and have taught every grade up to 12 and even adult learners. I also took it upon myself to go back to university and earn the credentials that would make me a bit different than every other k-12 teacher - I wanted to stand out.

Thus began my adventure in the masters program - special ed. Here is where the ripple has slowly changed into that of a bigger wave.  I was satisfied in this new role as a student and mother until a new teaching/administrative position was posted in my school division. Again, I figured...."Nah....I'm only meant to be a teacher."  Well you just never know what the wind will bring in with the wave....I applied and got the job.

Suddenly, my vision had changed...how on Earth would I be able to manage a leadership role. Me? My superintendent gave me a few words of encouragement....he simply told me I was hired because they knew I had the heart and mind to effectively lead this school.  So....after speaking with Ina in the grad office, I added another masters to my journey....educational administration.

It is funny how one person's choice (seniority pushing me out) caused me to take this new road....now I have bigger dreams and step-by-step I am floating closer to becoming what I have set out to do.

Gotta love those waves.

Whining and Whying

How often do we find ourselves in the situation where we are frequently explaining why something must be done over the ear shattering whining? I don't know about you, but it sure gets on my nerves by the end of the day sometimes. I fondly recall the days of my children asking "why" over everything. It was tiresome at times, but it did not rattle my nerves; it was genuine curiosity. They were busy taking in all they could to learn more and more each day. I explained things and it increased their wanting to learn!

The whining at teenage years is something else. My students often pose the question..."why do we have to learn this?", or "when will I ever use this again?".  At times it frustrates me to the point where we have to stop and have a discussion about what can come from the lesson or the activity they are engaged in. Often by explaining to them, they eventually get the picture, or at least understand the "why". I see a need to create more hooks... grab their attention and spark curiosity in their wondering brains!

At the work level we still hear "whining" amongst colleagues; I have been guilty of it as well. However, once everyone understands that the "why" is to help work toward something, not just busy work, then the productivity and understanding within the group grows. Providing opportunity to collaborate with co-workers is definitely worthwhile...more conversation will be a product of differing perspectives.

I suppose to provide a better understanding within a group or amongst individuals, it can really depend on the presentation.... we need to motivate people to become engaged; to want to learn, or do activities, so that they will have a clear understanding of the objectives and the whining and whying will be minimized.

Education Planning

I am currently taking a course on Education Planning. One of the assignment is to create a blog to get thoughts out there and hopefully become active in communicating with others. Blogging about administrative duties and planning will be interesting as I always have much I would like to share, question, or ponder with colleagues and fellow classmates.

School planning is just around the corner; I am sure I will bring some new ideas to the table for the staff! Can't wait!

Stay warm.