The goal of this blog will be to share my experiences and the connections I make as I head back into the classroom. I never intended to leave the classroom - teaching is all I have ever wanted to do.
The "When I Grow Up I Want To Be..." section of this book is the same year after year. As my friends were searching for their calling in college, frequently switching majors, I felt blessed to know exactly what I wanted to do.
So what happened?
In December of 2010, I was provided the unique opportunity to become an Instructional Coach. I didn't really know what an Instructional Coach would do, and I really didn't want to leave my classroom (and AWESOME group of students). However, following the advice of a trusted mentor, I took a leap of faith.
In June of 2012, I found myself in another opportunistic situation. The Oklahoma State Department of Education was set to hire 60 Instructional Coaches to provide professional development to the teachers of Oklahoma. I sent in my application, interviewed, and in July found myself among 59 amazing educators.
(There will be more on each of these jobs later. I don't want my first post to be too long!)
As much as I loved learning and sharing new ideas with teachers, there was something missing. I grew jealous of the teachers walking into their buildings and into their classrooms. I missed the connections - the relationships - that develop between a teacher and her students. Inquiries were made about possible teaching positions, and there is no way to describe the joy in my heart when my new principal said, "I have an opening if you want to apply."
That brings me to this photo.
Just an ordinary classroom after it has been cleaned in June. However, to me, it is like finding my way back home. I can't wait to build connections with new students and colleagues!!!
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