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.
What at great post, Sheri! You're right. I am always amazed at how opportunities come upon me in life. When I take one opportunity, I am often surprised to see that there are others that become visible as a result of the first one. If I had chosen to stay where I was in the first place, there would have been so many many things that I would have missed. You will look back in a few years and find that you are once again a long ways from where you are right now. Life really is a journey and for you, right now at least, I guess it's a journey by boat!! ;)
ReplyDeleteJackie
Quite a journey Sheri. Makes me think of the decisions that I have made in the past regarding work and career choices. I have only been teaching for 4 years. Had my first degree which didn't help me get a good job, saw an opportunity to go back get my second and here I am working on a third and considering a fourth. There are all sorts of opportunities available and taking the time to make the change can only help you develop professionally and personally. I work in a school where most don't go beyond the classroom or reach for additional education. The direction of administration is certainly not the envy of the staff room. How can educating yourself be a bad thing, isn't that what we want our students to think? Good for you on the second masters.
ReplyDeleteWow, what a great reference to refer to your changes. It is so symbolic and I admire all that you have risked, endured and overcome to get where you are at today. Sometimes a lot of change in positions makes people think someone is unsettled, I like to think it shows growth and a need to not become stagnant and settle. I personally feel that one needs to give themselves time in a position to make a difference and then seize an opportunity to grow and make a difference elsewhere. I too have made a lot of changes in my career and do not see myself in my current job until retirement. I have taken something from each position I have had and used it during my next position. As you well know, changes like these are always more difficult when children become enrolled in school and programs, moving is not always an option. In a small rural school division this makes change tougher. Great job Sheri on aspiring your dreams so far. I wish you all the best. You are a true representation of a life long learner.
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