Teaching Bluejays: The Weird Week (Week 10)

Because of the nature of week 10, I originally decided to include it's notes in my week 11 blog. Knowing me, a simple accounting of events turned in to a #deep reflection. I decided I would take my notes from last Friday and make this separate post.

Here is what made this week so crazy.. I did not teach students all week. From Sunday to Monday, I was with Mr Turner and 5 students at SLLC in Harrisburg (see separate post). We returned home Monday night, and proceeded to receive 23+ inches of snow in Bloomsburg. That caused school to be canceled from Tuesday-Friday. That didn't matter to me, because Wednesday evening I left to stay with family near Philly for an interview in New Jersey on Thursday. After that interview ended at 1pm, I did a "turn-n-burn" for State College for our student each seminars at 6pm that night and all day Friday. And on a personal family note, I drove home after the seminars to watch my sister's musical and visit with family from out of state, and even out of the USA! When all was said and done, my "week off" consisted of 2 feet of snow, 800 miles and 5 stops in 2 states. I didn't get to accomplish as much work as it may seem, but I still had some good take-aways.

I want my classroom to be a place for all to feel accepted. Thursday night was a part of our inclusion series, and was focused around LGBTQ issues. I am still trying to come to terms with this controversial topic in my mind. I am not any closer to having a stance on that issue in that respect, but I know that as a professional educator, my personal beliefs are overshadowed by a desire for student success. Most of the information I have heard about these issues have been rooted in propaganda and opinions, so I appreciated a chance to have an earnest discussion of ideas based around the facts. I am willing to do whatever it takes to ensure each student has an equal chance to feel appreciated and succeed in my class, regardless of how they identify.

Successful teaching is a journey, not a destination. I have been going non-stop these past few weeks, weather I have been in the classroom or not. At the end of the day I may be exhausted and have a lot left to accomplish, but I know I can shut my eyes each night feeling confident that I am moving forward.

And lastly, relating to the statement above, I know I am surrounded by a network of peers and mentors who care about my success. I feel alone in this a lot, especially when the student leave, I work alone at school in to the evening, and then go home alone. I spend so much time focused on caring about others that it makes me truly happy to have a chance to come together with my cohort members and family where we can honestly and openly care about each other. I forget how lucky I am to be where I am, and I will spend my last few weeks of student teaching refusing to take that for granted.